Pouring our easy and effective diy deodorant is one of my favorite things to do.

Effective, Easy Homemade Deodorant Recipe (secret ingredient, NO irritating baking soda, EFFECTIVE DIY recipe)!

Honestly, I don’t sweat that much. TMI? I wish that I would sweat more (as weird as that might sound). Sweating is your body’s natural way of ridding toxins, so it’s really a good thing. On occasion, I do wear deodorant, especially if I know I’ll be in a situation where I’ll likely sweat. Since I started my *real* journey toward better health from the inside out AND the outside in, I’ve been going through all of my products and eliminating toxic ingredients; things that are bad for me and the environment. I looked at the label on my conventional deodorant at home and was shocked. It was jam packed full of harmful ingredients.

This DIY deodorant is the only one you need. Not only is it easy to make, it is effective! Many people use baking soda in their DIY deodorant recipes, but not this one. Skip the itch and use our secret ingredient in this natural, healthy, skin smoothing deodorant.

It was pretty scary, really. Many deodorants (even those that claim to be “all-natural”) contain aluminum and/or aluminum derivatives (as these serve as an antiperspirant… which we do NOT want). It’s also a fact that parabens are in many deodorants.
Sooooo, off I went to create my own homemade DIY deodorant recipe. It had to be an easy, effective deodorant recipe, that was gentle and (of course) non-toxic.

Now, I know what you might be thinking…

Yeah, and there are already about a million other homemade deodorant recipes out there.

Yup, there sure are. But now, there are one million and ONE. Hehe.

I am proud of this deodorant because it contains a few ingredients you may not typically see in deodorants and I’m not really sure why! I’m ready to share it with you. It is effective, said by not only me (the not-so-heavy-sweater), but also by my husband (probably-your-typical-sweater). Oh, and it’s easy, to boot. Yay!

Whether you DIY or buy our homemade, effective deodorant (with no baking soda!), you'll be happy to use it everyday.

First, a little education about why I am using each ingredient…


Raw, unrefined, virgin coconut oil has wonderful antibacterial properties. This is important in those armpits, right? Coconut oil will liquify at 76 degrees; below that and it’s in a semi-solid state. I like to add another oil to help the deodorant stay more fluid, if you would. Enter almond oil.

We have an extensive post on carrier oils here. You’ll see below that you can easily substitute a different oil that is liquid at room temp oil, but I really like almond oil.

Here we are weighing out our raw ingredients to whip up our easy, effective DIY deodorant recipe.
Melting and whisking up your butters, beeswax, and carrier oil for your healthy new DIY deodorant.
Add in those secret ingredient powders for your easy and effective DIY deodorant!
Okay, now that you’ve been schooled on the ingredients, finally… the simple recipe.

Easy Effective Homemade Deodorant (4oz)

Supplies/Ingredients

  • 4oz+ jar or tin (see Pronounce containers). We also carry gorgeous black deodorant tubes in the shop that would be perfect for this!
  • Double-boiler (I make my own with a glass bowl over a pot)
  • Kitchen scale (BTW having a scale is a great investment in your kitchen and I use mine almost everyday)

Make It


Mix, mix, mix it all together before pouring your new deodorant recipe.Here I am pouring a batch of our original recipe DIY deodorant. Make it yourself, or purchase it in the Pronounce Skincare shop.
  • Measure oils, shea butter, and beeswax into the upper part of your double-boiler (for me, this is a glass bowl)
  • Melt on low heat over bottom part of double-boiler (for me, a pot with shallow water) until everything is melted (the beeswax will be the last thing to melt, just keep stirring)
  • Turn off heat and allow to cool for a few minutes
  • Add arrowroot, DE, Vitamin E, and essential oils; whisk vigorously to fully combine
  • Pour into container
  • Place somewhere safe so it can set up (which actually doesn’t take very long)

In my latest batch I used Lavender and Patchouli EOs. Lavender has some super qualities for skincare (read about essential oils in a post I wrote here). I’ve also used Tea Tree EO. Remember though, less is more with EOs!

The consistency of this lovely deodorant is firm, yet extremely spreadable. I use my finger to dip out a SMALL amount (seriously… you really do not need much) and just rub it into my armpits. This recipe also works well in a deodorant tube, too.

The quality of ingredients you use in your new DIY deodorant is important! Raw, organic shea butter and beeswax are important!
Also, please note… if you are not used to using natural products for your armpits you will likely have a detox phase. This is totally normal!

Having an initial cleanse is actually pretty important. Or… if you find that you truly cannot go for a few days without deodorant, you will have to use this one (or any other natural deodorant) for a week or so before you body starts to adjust. It pains me to hear of people who try to use natural deodorants without detoxifying their pits, who then complain that they don’t work. You have to get rid of the decaying matter in your body (esp breeding ground pits!!!) before you can ask your body not to smell …and remember, sweating is a GOOD thing!

We want to sweat… we just don’t want to stink.

You may want to do a little extra research on switching to a natural, organic deodorant to help give you a better understanding of what to expect. Also, if you want a stronger scent from the deo, you can always add a few more EO drops (so long as it isn’t irritating you) and you can also add a bit more DE. It will make it a bit more ‘stiff’ in consistency, but will help in grabbing odors.

And there you have it.

xo,

Would you love to try this deodorant,

but you aren’t always a DIY-ish person (or maybe you are simply lacking time, motivation, supplies, raw products, etc etc etc etc)?

Please, head on over to my Pronounce Skincare Shop where I sell this deodorant.

While you are there, please look around at all of my other skincare creations. I love making them for my family and for you!

Comments 511

  1. I tried this recipe for natural deodorant and was pleasantly surprised. However, The deodorant had a more ointment-like texture and was not as hard as I had expected. I thought after the liquid mixture cooled down, that it would be like a block of soap but that did not happen. Could there be something I did wrong? Is it supposed to be more ointment-like? Besides that, I am excited to continue checking out some other natural diy recipes from this site.

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      So glad you like it! Yes, the texture is a bit different that a typical deodorant. If you add more DE &/or arrowroot that could firm it up a bit. Enjoy!

  2. Great recipe…I will certainly try this. Just wanted to mention that you can also use a large Ball jar in a pot of water to melt the ingredients. Just shake every few minutes to help things melt and mix! I make homemade moisturizer this way.

  3. Hi! I’m just starting on the natural deodorant journey. This is day 1 of my armpit detox. I’m quarantined, working from home and will use this time as my cleansing period. If I have to go somewhere, I’ll deal with it! Next on my list, try out recipe.

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    1. Hi Lillian! This recipe makes about 4 ounces. Depending on what size containers you use, you could have a few or you could have just one. I hope this helps you!

  4. Fantastic recipe. I followed it to the letter and it worked out fantastic. I do have a question. Mine turned out more taupe than your photos show. Almost greyish. Why do you think that is, and what would you suggest I do to make it a more pleasant color? Thank you again.

    1. Yay!! We’re so glad you love the recipe as much as we do 🙂 The first thought that comes to my mind would be the diatomaceous earth is causing you to have a more grey deodorant. Although, the color of the deodorant will not decrease the effectiveness of this recipe. We do have diatomaceous earth stocked in our shop! This is the exact diatomaceous earth we use in our deodorants. I hope this helps you!

      1. Mine came out looking like mud, it is a dark gray. I followed all the instructions and measured everything. It does not smell the best either, smells more like wax than anything. What did I do wrong? I am scared to use it because it is so dark I am afraid it is going to stain my clothes.

        1. Hi Melanie! The diatomaceous earth may be the reason your deodorant came out a little darker. There are a lot of different qualities of DE out there. We sell diatomaceous earth in our shop and it is the same DE we use in our products. As for the smell, did you add any essential oils? If you did and you’re not happy with the smell, you can melt it back down and add some more EO’s to your liking. The deodorant should not stain your clothes. You could always try applying the deodorant a few minutes before you get dressed so it has time to set in before you put your clothes on. Does this help, Melanie?

    1. Hi Bria! The vitamin E is used as a natural preservative and will help the deodorant stay fresh longer (especially in the warmer months). It will also help moisturize your skin 🙂 The deodorant will be just as effective without the vitamin E. I hope this helps you!

  5. quick question – really like the recipe but mine does not pour like a liquid – should it? I have to ease it our of the beaker as it’s thick ( and I used less Diamataceous earth ) – it was hot enough too. Great recipe though!

    1. Hi Paula! Nope, it doesn’t need to pour like a liquid. It sounds like you did everything right. I hope you keep enjoying our yummy deodorant recipe! 😊

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      Hi Anete. I have never worked with straight silica, so I can’t really answer your question. I know that the majority of DE is silica, so it makes sense, but again…I haven’t worked with it so I do not know. If you give it a go, please let us know how it worked!

  6. I have a goal of changing products in my house this year to be plastic free and eco friendly. I cant justify the price of these types of deodorants however so was pleased to see your DIY! Question however…can you tell me other things I can make with the ingredients? I hate to buy them and ONLY use them for deodorant if that makes sense. Thanks.

    1. Hey there! Good for you and good for the environment! We are happy you stumbled upon us, too! It totally makes sense to have other recipes in mind when buying ingredients. We have so many great recipes on the blog using some of these ingredients. I suggest you check out our post on butters and we have a great post on carrier oils, too. Diatomaceous earth is a very versatile ingredient, check out our flea and tick powder for your furry friends. I hope this has helped you! Happy DIYing 😊

  7. Hi there. I can’t wait to try this recipe. But was wondering how long of a shelf life this has? Also, can I replace the beeswax for candelilla wax?

    1. Hi Robin! The deodorant should last you a good long while! All the ingredients in this recipe are shelf stable for 1+ years. As for the wax, yes you can sub candelilla wax! We have never worked with that wax ourselves but from what I’ve read you will want to use a little less. A quick google search will help you better with exactly how much less you should use. Hope this helps you!

    1. Hi Mira! I’m not sure this was your fault! It could have come out grainy for a few reasons. It could be the quality of the shea, whether it was tempered or not, or it could have been the quality of the diatomaceous earth. We carry both diatomaceous earth and shea butter over in our shop. I hope this helps you! Happy DIYing 😊

  8. How can I make this recipe solid…I used this recipe but my deodorant isnt a solid form( I’m using a deodorant tube by the way)…the texture resembles that of a cream

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      Hi Jeffry. Interesting, this is the recipe I created and use for the deodorant I also sell in my shop. Did you deviate from the recipe at all? Mine is definitely solid for the tube.

  9. Hi i have a question.

    Does DE replace baking soda or magnesium?

    Also i made a batch of deodorant using baking soda and i think i had a reaction to the baking soda and also it was a bit sticky i wonder if it was the beeswax?

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      Hi Liesha! Yes, the DE replaces baking soda. Many people react to baking soda, which is why I created this recipe.

      I don’t know what ratios you used, but it could be the beeswax…it’s trick to say without knowing the recipe followed.

  10. Hello! This deordant is the best I have found. I make it for my daughters and I. I was wondering if you had this recipe that the measuments are for a bigger amount. I normally make 6 at a time for my daughters and I. I just want to make sure I am figuring out the amounts correctly. Also can I use something else to replace the DE? Thanks!

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      Hi Janet! Hooray…I’m glad you love my recipe, too! <3 Yes, just take the recipe and multiply everything by 2 or 3 or however much more you'd like to make. Just keep the ratios the same. I've never created this without the DE as I think it's clutch in the recipe. If you give it a go, you'll want to replace the DE powder with another powder. Let men now if you try. Happy DIYing!

  11. Hi, just tried this recipe I used 24 drops of EO mixing bergamot, peppermint and lavender (1/3 each).
    Turned out great and smells amazing.
    I’m usually not a heavy sweater but for me a little did great and did not feel greasy.
    Thank you so much for sharing,

    Jane

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      Hi Jane! Your essential oil combination sounds amazing. I am so glad it came out just right for you. Yay for healthy deodorant! 🙂

  12. Hello! I have a question. I love this hmemade deordant however I have been getting dark oil type stains on my clothes. I have been making and using this deordant recipe for about a year now. Why would that happen? How can I prevent that from happening again?

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      Hi Janet! I’m glad you also love the recipe and have been using it successfully for a year. Yay! As for the stains, that is interesting. It sounds like this is a new phenomenon, yes? Did you source an ingredient from a different supplier? Perhaps your carrier oil was darker this time, or your DE? Have you started applying more than normal? Those questions immediately come to mind for me.

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      You could give it a try, for sure! I’d keep the powder ratio the same, though for the same consistency. Happy DIYing!

  13. Hi there, thankyou for sharing this deodorant recipe, I’m new to DIY and I love to try this one. But my question is can I change DE with something else, I can’t have it in Indonesia? Because I read the comments that DE is important in this recipe

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      Hi and yay for healthy DIYing! The DE is pretty crucial to this recipe. I offer small amounts in my herbal boutique of DE here and do ship worldwide. I hope this helps.

  14. Hi there! I’m excited to try out this recipe. I had to order a lot of the ingredients online as I live in a small town with limited resources. I was just wondering; how many sticks does one batch/recipe make? Thank you!

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      Great question! I’ve never worked with candelilla wax before. I believe it is harder than beeswax, so you might need to adjust ratios. If you give it a go I’d love to hear how it works for you!

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    1. Hi there! This recipe was written with DE in mind. We have never tried to substitute it with another powder. We do sell diatomaceous earth in our herbal boutique and we ship worldwide. If you choose to use another powder, just be sure you keep the powder ratios the same so you have the same consistency. I hope this helps you!

  15. A few other recipes that I’ve found on the Internet also use neem oil, tamanu oil, and/or kaolin clay. Any thoughts as to whether or not I should include these in my recipe? If so, in what proportion?

    1. Great question, Jason! We have another recipe that uses all of those ingredients! You can find that recipe here! Hope this helps 😊

  16. Hi, could the coconut oil be substituted? I’m allergic to it and i’m really struggle to find natural and plastic free deodorants. So I thought I’d make it, but every recipe I find contains coconut. Hoping you can help x

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      Hi Ruth. Great question! You could, but if you sub in a liquid carrier oil your consistency will be less solid. You could experiment adding more wax &/or butter to compensate. The long and short to your question is yes…but your consistency will be more liquid-y.

  17. Hi thank you so much for your recipe! Any suggestions for the best way to convert this to tsp or tbsp for someone who doesn’t have a scale? Thank you!

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      Hi Hailey! I reeeeeally like having a scale for most of my DIYing and have found it to be a valuable item for DIYing. But, yes…this should give you some guidance. Happy DIYing!

  18. Hello Scratch Mommy, thank you so much for this formula!
    I added some zinc oxide to whiten it a tad. Any thoughts?

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      Hi John! Sure, I think that would be just fine, so long as zinc oxide doesn’t irritate you. Depending on how much you add it will affect the consistency (more powder = harder consistency). Happy DIYing!

  19. great day to you going to do this recipe tonight but have 2 questions
    1) how long do i let oils and butters to cool before adding other ingredients
    2) how much candellia wax should i use for this recioe

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      My apologies for the late reply. I wipe down the bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes or so. As for candelilla wax, I haven’t worked with it before, so I can’t be much help there. I’d love to know how this turned out!

  20. I want to switch to natural deodorant but I’m worried it will stain my clothing. Does anybody else find it a problem? Any solutions?

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      Hi Jane! I haven’t had issues with this, but have heard that some people do. It’s all about how much you use…you definitely wouldn’t want to over apply. I think you’ll find (after your detox period) that you’ll be so happy using a natural deodorant and skipping the toxic ones found on store shelves. Happy DIYing!

  21. I have been making your recipe for YEARS now and just wanted to let you in on something I do. I have very sensitive armpits and I have found that just adding 1 Tablespoon of baking soda is just enough to control the odor without being irritating. I’m obviously very careful not to rub too much when I put it on, but without the baking soda, this just doesn’t work for me at all and with that one little Tablespoon, it has worked for years. Amazing and THANK you for making this recipe available to us. I appreciate you SO MUCH. <3

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  22. Hi Jess,

    I know you’ve already had a few questions like this before but thought I’d ask nonetheless. I have never used antiperspirant but do use simple deodorant with propylene glycol as the main ingredient. I made your recipe a week ago and can relate to a few of some of the other people who commented. Before, if I forgot to wear deodorant for a day, I’d usually be ok, but ever since using this one, I feel like I’m stinkier than I ever have been. I know it’s only been a week but I’m hoping that this is just part of the detox process, even though I wasn’t using an aluminum based deodorant before. I am a nurse and don’t want to be all funky for my patients, just curious what you had to say about it. I haven’t tried a homemade recipe with baking soda but might consider it after giving this one a few months try. Thanks in advance!

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  23. I made this recipe, except I left out the vitamin e due to not having any, substituted hemp seed oil for almond, and most importantly substituted carnauba wax for beeswax (I’m vegan). I used 6 grams of carnauba. It took about an hour in a warm environment to start to solidify. After it set up properly, and
    being stored in about room temperature, it’s a little on the.hard side. I will be using 5 grams of carnauba wax next batch. Thank you so much for the recipe. I am either allergic or sensitive to all the ready made deodorants that I could find previously, or the handful that I hadn’t been didn’t work. I’ve been using this recipe for about a week and already smell a difference. I can’t shave due to resulting eczema breakouts, and I’m.usually.sweaty and smelly.

  24. I think it is funny that you critique the aluminium content of regular deodorant, and then go on to use diatomaceous earth which has approximately 2-4% aluminium oxide. You say yourself that DE is what makes the deodorant work, and that is probably because of the content of aluminium 🙂 Don’t worry though, the aluminium oxide is not harmful, so keep on using your homemade deodorant!

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      Hi Lea. Thanks for stopping by and reading. After continued research, I not only disagree with your comment, but have found nothing but support for diatomaceous Earth being a wonderful ingredient for pulling out aluminum and other toxins. Of course, anything that comes from the Earth can have traces of aluminum in it (especially powders), but I can find nothing to support the claim that 2-4% aluminum is in DE. “…[DE contains] 3% magnesium, 33% silicon, 19% calcium, 5% sodium, 2% iron and various other trace minerals like titanium, boron, manganese, copper and also zirconium.”12 Feel free to pass along any other information.

  25. Hi! Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe 🙂 I made my first batch using BS, but I found it too rough and set it aside to use on my feet. I made the 2nd batch with DE and it turned out way darker than yours in the picture and also than the 1st batch which I’d describe as off-white. Do you have any idea why this happened and whether it’ll stain my clothes? For ES I used tea tree oil and orange essential oil both times.

    1. Hi Hanna! It should not stain your clothes. Do you know if you were using food-grade DE? I know some people have used cosmetic grade DE. We sell the same diatomaceous earth that we use in our deodorants at the shop. As for the EOs, those don’t seem like they are the reason for the color change. I hope this helps you!

  26. How long does a batch of this deodorant last? I wanted to make a few at a time. Can I store the extras in the freezer? If so, any guess as to how long they might last?

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      Hi Emily~ Great question! I have received this question before and it’s difficult for me to answer. It’s different for each person…how much do you use, how often do you apply, etc etc etc? It should last the same amount of time as any other stick, I’d say.

      As for shelf-life, the ingredients in this deodorant are all shelf-stable for at least a year (more like 2 years, honestly). I’ve never had a stick go bad. And yes…you certainly can keep these in the freezer! Happy DIYing. 🙂

  27. From what I can gather from reading this article this deodorant will be somewhat soft. Is there anyway to stiffen it up a bit to make it more like a stick than a creamy paste?

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      Hi Dawn! Great question…the deodorant recipe isn’t soft (like mushy soft), but isn’t hard either. I create and sell it in a stick in the shop and it works wonderfully as written. That said, you certainly could make it more hard by adding in a bit more beeswax. I hope this helps. Happy DIYing!

      1. Hi Jess!

        I’ made my own batch within a week after reading this post. It was easy to make and the ingredients I bought were inexpensive and easy to find. For the EOs, I added lavender (as the primary scent), peppermint (for that fresh scent) and lemon (as a natural whitening agent). I noticed the colour of your deo is yellowish whereas mine is whitish+pale yellow (perhaps I used bleached beeswax?). Texture wise, it felt grainy but it didn’t bother me much since I’m able to wipe off the residue easily on my other body parts I’m pleased that the deo wasn’t greasy but it’s too early to tell if it’ll leave hard-to-get-off residues over time on my clothes.

        It worked well for the first 2 days, no allergic reaction as I have been using a crystal deo for almost a decade. I’ve used this recipe for almost a week now and I’m sad to say it’s not working out.

        I sweat easily even if I’m seated at my work desk or in an air conditioned room 🙁 .. And the smell of the coconut coupled with sweat makes the smell of my BO even more unpleasant.

        I’d like to give this recipe another try but with some modifications. I was wondering if i could replace cold pressed virgin coconut oil with fractionated (since its odourless). Also, will adding more food grade DE be a good idea to increase the sweat absorbency? If I’m already using fractionated coconut oil as a carrier, is almond oil necessary?

        1. Yay! So glad you tried out the recipe! Wow! Crystal use for almost a decade?! That’s impressive. Since using the crystal deodorant for so long there will be a transition period. It may even last longer than a week. You most definitely can try the modifications! Although, you cannot replace cold pressed coconut oil with fractionated. Since fractionated coconut oil is always liquid you would have a completely different recipe. You could use the fractionated coconut oil in place of your carrier oil (almond oil). As for the DE, yes you can try to increase it but that will also change the consistency of the recipe. All these modifications are doable! Keep us updated on what you find works for you! 😊

  28. Hi there! I don’t know if you still check comments on here, but I wanted to reach out. I had been using a baking soda/cornstarch/coconut oil homemade deodorant for about 5 years, but it started irritating me, my hubby, and our daughter, so I found your recipe while looking for a BS-free alternative. I followed the recipe exactly using a scale (though I substituted cornstarch for the arrowroot since I didn’t have any), but after 3 weeks of steady use, it still doesn’t seem to be working. It smells great upon application and the skin in my underarms has never been happier, but a few hours after applying, we start to stink again, and I feel like I smell worse with it on than I do if I use nothing. I understand there’s an adjustment period, but 3 weeks seems like an awfully long time. Good thing I work from home!! Any tips?

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      Hi Lin~ Great question! Two things come to mind…you certainly could still be detoxing. Making the switch from BS to non-BS can take some time, especially since you had been using BS for so long. Second, I honestly don’t like cornstarch. I prefer arrowroot, for sure. It is less processed, actually contains things we need (potassium, iron and B vitamins) and it is much less processed. I previously made several recipes (other blogger’s recipes and my own creations) with cornstarch and I never liked them as much. That could be an issue, too. I hope this helps!

    2. Hey Lin,

      I have found that the most impactful thing I can do to reduce my odour is to exfoliate my armpits every shower. I usually do it with soap, but even without seems to work. The theory I was working on is that the odour is produced by the bacteria that live in our pits, and they thrive on dead skin cells and deceased bacteria. By exfoliating them away, there are fewer of them – and I rarely smell these days! I think of it as flossing for my pits. I’ve convinced a few friends to try the same, and they’re really happy too. Hope it works for you!

      1. Thanks I’ll try the pit floss today! Since the original poster doesn’t sweat much, and the first few comments also mention light sweat-ers, I am not sure if this is for me. I eat and live very healthy, but I sweat more than most I think. My mom is a stress sweat-er, it’s possible I got some of that passed down. Also DE is wonderful as a material, I kept fleas at bay with it for years, highly interested in this blend.

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      2. Hi Courtney, what kind of soap do you use? I’m assuming it’s exfoliating with salt or something similar?

    1. Hi Caroline! We have never tried to add non-nano zinc oxide to our deodorants over here at Pronounce. Im curious to know for what reasons you were wanting to add in the zinc oxide powder? If you try it out, we would love to here more about it! Happy DIYing 😊

    1. Hi Simone! We don’t suggest using fractionated coconut oil because it stays liquid all the time. Even though we melt the coconut oil for this recipe, it does help with the consistency once it cools and sets back up. We sell coconut oil in the shop and ship world wide. I hope this helps you!

  29. Hello,

    Merry Christmas.

    If I dont want to use Almond Oil and just use coconut, shea and Beeswax (will be using rapeseed wax instead of beeswax to make it vegan)

    Could you tell me which of these 3 I should adjust to cover the remaining 10 grams of oil?

    Unsure how to porperly balance it.

    Thank you.

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  30. So cool that i found this page. I am fond of diy projects.
    I was wondering, how long does is the products best before? How fast do i have to use them?
    Thank you!

    1. Hi there! We have never had a deodorant go bad before or have had anyone tell us they’ve had one go bad. Hope this helps you!

  31. Does the recipe for one stick of deodorant? And the measurements, can I measure them on a food scale? Otherwise, I don’t know how to change them to standard.

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      Hi there! This makes approximately 4oz of deodorant and yes, using a scale is the preferred way to make this (I prefer scales for all creations). Happy DIYing!

  32. I made this recipe a few weeks ago. I left out the beeswax because I am a vegan. I am wondering if there is a way to make this recipe work longer than 5 or 6 hours… Have to almost carry the container around.

    1. Hey there! When transitioning to a more natural deodorant there will be a “detox” period that can last weeks for some people. We suggest carrying the deodorant around with you until you get past this period. I’m glad you tried out this recipe!

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  33. Can i ise corn starch instead of arrowroot ?

    And what isDIATOMACEOUS EARTH (FOOD GRADE) ? .. i dont think i have it where i love :S .. what can i replace it with

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  34. Hello, I made this recipe, I love it, but know my deodorant looks soo grainy, do you know what could be? Please help me. I gave it to my sisters and I don´t know how to answer to that.

    1. Hi Aide! This sounds like it could be the shea butter. Do you know if you used shea that was tempered before using? The shea butter that we sell in the shop is unrefined upon arrival and we temper it here, in-house. I hope this helps you!

  35. Hello!!! Thanks for this recipe.. I love it! but actually i have a question… I wouldnt like to use the beeswax, is there any substitute I could use instead? I have a natural emulsifier called glyceryl stearate. It should be good if I use it instead?? Thanks so much!!!

    1. Hello Karla! Glyceryl stearate.. that is not something we’ve played with here in the shop. If it is something you are comfortable with using then go for it! Come back and let us know how it turns out 🙂

    1. Hi Brian! We have never tried to create a deodorant with a gel-like consistency here at the shop. Honestly, I’m not quite sure what you could use to create that. If you find something that works, please come back and let us know! This is a great question!

    1. Hey there, Tanasha! This recipe was creating with diatomaceous earth in mind specifically. We have never tried to use bentonite clay in the recipe. If you wish to use it just be sure you keep the powder ratios the same. Happy DIYing 😊

  36. Hi! I can use any DE food grade? I was thinking of buying one off amazon, they sell a 10lb bag. Also will DE work well with Bentonite Clay? That’s what I currently use in my deodorant. Thank you for answering my questions and for having an easy to read and navigate website!

    1. Hi there! Yes! We recommend you use food grade DE. We have never tried to use bentonite clay in this recipe. If you choose to add some, just be sure you keep the powder ratios the same so you end up with the same consistency in the end. Happy DIYing 😊

  37. Hello, thank you for this recipe, I can´t find DE in my country, can we use caolin clay instead? same quantity? Thank you I really want to try it, Regards from Mexico.

    1. Hi there! Jess wrote this recipe with DE in mind. We have never tried to swap it with any other ingredient. We do sell diatomaceous earth in our shop and shop world wide. If you are interested in trying out the clay, we suggest keeping the powder ratio the same so you get the same consistency. I hope this helps you! Happy DIYing 😊

  38. Hi! This recipe sounds awesome, will try for sure!
    However, finding DE in my country is prooving to be a rather difficult thing. I was wondering if I can replace DE for RHASSOUL CLAY?
    Thanks!

    1. Hi there! This recipe was written with diatomaceous earth in mind. We have never tried to replace it with any other ingredient. We sell diatomaceous earth in our shop and ship world wide. If you still wanted to try to replace it with the clay, go for it! Keep in mind to keep the powder ratios the same so you get the same consistency. I hope this helps you! Happy DIYing 😊

  39. Thanks for the recipe, Jess! Wondering if you could substitute DE for bentonite clay? Heard it’s a good detoxifier, plus I already have it at home. Thanks for your expertise. Just found your site and am hoping to try some other recipes of yours!

    1. Hi Lisa! We have never tried to replace the DE. Jess wrote this recipe specifically using diatomaceous earth. If you wish to try it with bentonite clay, use the same powder ratios to keep the consistency the same. I hope this helps! Happy DIYing 😊

  40. Is there any way to make this more solid so you can use it in your black containers like you would a traditional deodorant?

    1. Hi Tara! Yes, if you wish to make this recipe a bit more ‘stiff’ you can try adding a little more DE. Happy DIYing 😊

  41. Just mixed up a batch! Thanks for the detox notes!! That didn’t even occur to me before. For my first batch I made them in mini muffin cups. We’ll see how it goes!

  42. I used Carnauba Wax instead of Beeswax to make it vegan and it worked great as a roll-on! It solidifies quicker than beeswax I think – it started solidifying almost immediately when i removed it from the double-boiler .. I certainly couldn’t pour it into anything .. It was more like thick peanut butter. So I just scraped it into an old roll on container and let it cool and it works great! I think I would try more EO next time as the scent is very mild.. Im really glad I managed to use a vegan version of this recipe! 🙂

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  43. Hi!!! I love this recipe but when mine didn’t ger that firm texture, can I add more arrowroot to thicken it or DE?
    Greetings from the Dominican Republic

  44. I cannot wait to try this recipie now that I have found a local source for all these ingredients. I would LOVE to suggest that we not recommend storing in plastic! One of the best things about making our own products is our ability to control the amount of plastic waste we consume and discard! Your already making a good choice with the product so maybe suggest a good choice in its packaging too!

    1. Hi there! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your feedback! We can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the recipe. We hope you love it as much as we do! 😊 We suggest a few different packaging options – a tin, a jar, or tubes. I hope you can find one that works best for you! Happy DIYing!

  45. This recipe sounds lovely, I’m wondering if it will liquify very easily as it uses coconut oil as a base. Does it need to be kept in a cool dry place? Also what would happen to the consistency of it did liquify and solidified again? Thanks a bundle! 🙂

    1. Hi Riley! You should keep your deodorant in a cool place, yes. The coconut oil will melt at 76 degrees. That being said, if it does melt it should be okay once it sets back up. I hope this helps!

  46. Good way to make easy but effective homemade deodorant. and the amazing is all things to make this deodorant are always available at home.

  47. I used diluted lavender and tea trea oil in the past and ladder developed a horrible allergic reaction to them. I used geranium essential oil and the fragrance was beautiful with amazing staying power. Thought I would share. It really smells lovely with this deoderant.

  48. I’m not super familiar with either product [yet], but would bentonite clay be able to replace the DE? I have one and not the other.

    1. Hey there! This recipe was written to use DE specifically. Although, we have not tried to replace it with bentonite clay ourselves we have heard from others who have tried it. If you wish to replace it I would suggest to keep the powder ratios the same to keep the same consistency. I hope this helps you!

    1. Hi Zailey! Replacing the coconut oil with a liquid carrier oil would result in a much “oily-er” product. Since the coconut oil is solid at room temperature it helps create the consistency of the deodorant. If you want to use hempseed oil in the recipe I would suggest substituting it for the almond oil. I hope this helps you!

  49. Hey! Have you or anyone tried this with a roller?? And also would a stainless streel rooler be bad? If i put them in little 10ml roller bottles? Trying to stay away from plastic. Thank you!!

    1. Hi Martine! We have never tried this recipe with a roller ball. If you are trying to stay away from plastic, I would suggest using a tin or a glass jar to store your deodorant in. Happy DIYing 😊

  50. Hi! Will this deodorant melt and separate in hot temperatures or will it stay together? I’m looking for something I can take on a thru-hike with me this year, and I’m weary of coconut oil. Also, could I just infuse the oils with dried lavender instead of using EO? Thanks!

    1. HI Jennifer! A thru-hike?! That sounds so fun!! The coconut oil will definitely melt in warmer temperatures. If it does melt, it should not separate. As for the infusions, yes! Absolutely! We love using lavender-infused almond oil in the shop 🙂

  51. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful recipe!! I was given a large sample of it from my sister-in-law, so I’ve used it for a week or two now and it has worked very well for me. Sometimes I notice I sweat a bit if I’m active, and sometimes there is just a hint of BO at night. If so, I just wash a little bit before reapplying. Overall it works really well and smells so nice! I purchased a tiny container that I’ll keep in my purse if I need it when I’m out.

    I have now purchased the ingredients needed to make a batch for myself. Couple of questions: How much exactly does this recipe make? Is it a full 4 ounces? I want to add Bergamot essential oil, but read that Bergamot is usually photo-toxic, but that it is safe if it is steam distilled OR if you only use 2 drops or less to one ounce. I love the scent of bergamot, and in addition I was reading that it promotes healthy skin, is antiseptic, and also has a mentally calming effect. So I’d like to add it, but would be nice to know the exact amount first. I am also planning to add a little bit extra DE to make it solid enough for a stick deodorant. How much extra do you think I’ll need? Thanks in advance, and thank you again for your generosity in letting others in on your secret so we can make it for ourselves!

    1. Hi there! Yay for sharing, sis! Yes, this recipe makes just about 4 oz. Bergamot, mmm yum! This recipe is solid enough for a stick, we use it in our deo tubes here in the shop. That being said, if you wish to add more DE I would suggest maybe just starting with 5g. Thank you and happy DIYing 😊

  52. So, I am looking into this, and the ingredients. How far will the ingredients go, and how long will one small batch that you mentioned in the recipe above, last? I am a college student with not much money, and I am wanting to move away from commercial deodorant, but I can see that off the bat it will be more expensive to DIY it. Thanks for your help!

    1. Hi Marisa! This recipe makes about 4 oz. which would then make about two sticks of deodorant. Depending on how often you apply, it could last you anywhere from 3-6 months. As for the ingredients, we sell all the ingredients for this recipe in our herbal boutique. We sell in smaller quantities so you don’t have to commit to buying a large amount of an ingredient all at once. I hope this helps you!

  53. I am pleased with this recipe. It works great for awhile and smell comes thru. This recipe brought my armpits back from the burn of another diy deo. The DE is so special, I just need a suggestion for a longer lasting defunk. Overall I am pleased with this recipe. Thank you for the post.

  54. Great recipe! I’ve loved a few other of your too. Sorry if I’ve missed this somewhere but what is your favorite wholesale place to source your ingredients? Thanks!!

    1. Hi Laurie! All the ingredients we use in the shop are listed on our herbal boutique page. You can find all the ingredients in this recipe in our herbal boutique. I hope this helps you 🙂

  55. I love the ingredients in this recipe! COMPLETELY wholesome and food-grade. Great job putting this together!
    I’ve been working on my friends and family recently, trying to get them away from aluminum-based deodorant. Once you find out what’s in that stuff, you realize that it’s really scary business.

  56. Those are such great questions, they are the same ones I ask my clients too, because when they say it doesn’t work, I wonder how consistently did they TRY to use and give it a chance. You know how these days people want INSTANT miracle everything…it’s a fast food MENTALITY with everything…….I’m excited to try your recipe, I have had every single ingredients in my aromatherapy pantry because I use these ingredients in my formularies. You are BLESSING to our industry and WORLD!!! Thank you darling,
    Janice Marie Ward, Founder and Creator of WiseWoman Aromatherapy of the Desert Southwest, LLC
    Tucson, Arizona

    1. Hi Jenny! Wow! Thank you so much!! I really like how you used carnauba wax. We get people asking about vegan waxes all the time. Did you use the same ratio as the beeswax in the recipe? Thanks again for the shout out. That was really kind of you 😊

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      Hi there. I find weights to be much more accurate when creating and working with DIY skincare recipes. You can do a quick internet search to find conversions, but I always find when DIYing skincare goodies it’s best to be as precise as possible (as I find in baking food, as well.) I hope this helps. 🙂

      1. Thank you so much for using weight. I hate trying to measure shea butter or coconut oil in a tablespoon because of air pockets and leveling errors. I use weights in all my recipes, and it’s so much faster with less utensils used too.

  57. Thank you for this recipe! I love that all of the ingredients make sense. I didn’t have diatomaceous earth so I used white kaolin clay instead. Hopefully it sets well enough to travel but either way I’m very happy with how easy it was to put together. It made the perfect amount for one regular sized deodorant tube plus a mini tube (like the mini anti-chafe things runners use). That one will be perfect for my purse during my detox phase. Thanks again!

  58. I traded in my top brand name antiperspirant for home made almost a year ago and will never go back. I’ve been using a baking soda recipe that worked well but left my poor underarms with a rash. This recipe does not melt in warmer temps all over my luggage as easily (I travel a lot), is much gentler on skin, and no more discoloring either. In really sweaty conditions I might sometimes have to reapply (I’m BO paranoid) but it works wonderfully. Thank you!!! <3

  59. Love this recipe! It works better than any other recipe I’ve made. I still have to re apply on really sweaty days, but I’m fine with that. I did try the roll on and it didn’t work for me. It doesn’t solidify enough. I just used my finger to apply, and next time will pour into a jar instead. Thank you for a great recipe!

  60. I’ll have to try this stuff. It looks and sounds amazing. I am not a heavy sweater other than when I am on my cycle, and the heavy hormones kick in. For the women who said this recipe didn’t work for them- have you tried tea tree oil? I read that will help block much of the bacteria that causes the smell.

    I was using LIME after reading it in a blog, and later found that it could cause chemical burn to the skin with sunlight.

    I’ll have to try this recipe on my own!

  61. Hi,

    I’m hunting around for a natural deodorant recipe that actually works without using baking soda or alcohol (ouch!) and this one looks very promising!! But.. I don’t eat any animal products and as such don’t want to use them in skincare products either. Do you have a good alternative for the beeswax?
    Thanks heaps!

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      Hi there. Some people have used candelilla wax with success. It is plant-based and harder than beeswax, so you’d need to play with the amounts you add. Happy DIYing!

      1. can you use jojoba oil in place of almond oil? i have been using corn startch and baking soda for 6 years now and all of a sudden i have developed a rash and so has my son. now i’m trying to find something else that will work and not stain our clothes. and i can’t go back to store bought because it caused me to have some bad medical problems.

  62. Hi. I just made this deoderant recipe. I love the consistency, and made it smell good with some lavender, tea tree, and lemon EO. My question is, how long is the detox period generally take? Idefinetly notice a bad B.O. since using it… It has only been three days though. I am a nurse and work VERY close with my patients( labor and delivery) and don’t like smelling. I have used other natural recipes and have problems withreacting to the baking soda, so was thrilled to find your recipe. Just wondering how long I will stink while detoxing.

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      Hi there! Hopefully you are past the detox period, but if not…don’t give up! You can try going between what you have been using and your new DIY Pronounce deodorant. Use the old one day, the new the next day…then spread them out. Bring your new one along with you if you need to reapply, too. Hope this helps. Happy DIYing!

    2. Did you mix the patchouli with the lavender? What about ylang ylang? Have you tried that? Is patchouli and lavender feminine smelling? How many drops of each?

    1. Hey Jessie! This recipe was written with diatomaceous earth in mind. We have never tried to swap it with bentonite clay. If you wish to try it, just be sure to keep the powder ratios the same so you get the same consistency! I hope this helps you 😊

    1. Hi Kelly! This recipe was written with diatomaceous earth in mind specifically. We have never tried to replace the DE with bentonite clay. Give it a go and come back to let us know how it turns out! I will say, keep the powder ratios the same so you still get the same consistency of the deodorant. I hope this helps!

  63. Would Bentonite Clay work in place of the DE? Or would you recommend I go in search of the DE specifically?

    1. Hey Chelsea! We have never tried to swap diatomaceous earth with bentonite clay. You can absolutely try it if you’d like! We do sell diatomaceous earth in the shop, if you’re interested. We ship worldwide, too. I hope this helps you 😊

    1. Hi Kaitlyn! We have never tried to swap clay for the diatomaceous earth. This recipe was written with diatomaceous earth in mind. If you still wish to swap them, just be sure you keep the powder ratios the same so you have the same consistency. I hope this helps you 😊

  64. a great article.. this homemade deodorant can get best result because it make with natural ingredients… this is the best choice if other product can’t give a better result… 😀

  65. I ditched commercial deodorant about 5 years ago and this is BY FAR the best recipe out there!!!! I’ve been using this one for over a year now and I will never go back. Even on my sweatiest days, this stuff still holds up. Sometimes a second, mid-day application is needed (seriously, put some of this stuff in an empty chapstick tube and keep it in your purse for emergencies too – you’ll thank me!) but even if that happens you won’t go horribly, obvious B.O. smelly so you can put a lot of trust in this deodorant. Those baking soda recipes will catch up and start to do actual harm to your skin, quicker than you think. But this stuff? Never had a problem! Thank you so much for posting!

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      <3 I am so glad that you love it, too. What a great idea with the lip tube...love it! Thanks for sharing your love for this recipe.

      1. i made this with shea butter, coconut oil, arrowroot and lavendar and essential oils – don’t notice any BO yet, first day using but is any of the 3 – clay, Baking soda or Clay mandatory? is their function to keep the odour at bay or just reduce moisture. I feel i am still a little sweaty but no odor. Thank you for this recipe!! <3

        1. Hi there! Actually, the diatomaceous earth is pretty crucial to this recipe. The DE is important to help with drawing out moisture and toxins in the skin! But from the sounds of things, what you made is working for you. If it’s working for you and you don’t want to change anything, don’t feel like you need to. Thank you for the feedback! I hope this has helped you 😊

    2. Hi! I live in Mexico and it’s not easy to find the arrowroot powder..could I replace it with something else? or would the recipe work fine without it?
      Thanks!!

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        I don’t like corn starch (at all), but an GMO-free corn starch might work for you. It irritates many people, though. Could be worth a shot?

      2. Tapioca Starch is a GREAT substitute! You shouldn’t have a problem finding it in Mexico… Looking forward to trying this recipe!!! I’ve been using a natural deodorant for a few months now, but the recipe I’m using is very difficult to apply and the baking soda irritates my skin. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe, I can’t wait to try it <3

  66. You need to drink alkaline water, because it not only will keep your organs healthy it will help with the odor when sweating. Your body insideis more acidic than it should be and this in turn makes your sweat smell . This is not a joke. I have been ionizing my own water for nearly 7 years. The ionizer allows me to make my own alkaline water to drink, so I don’t have to buy alkaline water at a health food store. All alkaline water should be in glass bottles, because glass will keep the higher ph more stable. Plastic bottles ( even safe plastic ) will cause the waters ph to NOT stay stable. Santevia has a counter top system that will deliver alkaline water to you at a great cost. My ionizer is made by Tyent, I have an 11 plate unit , quite expensive because I have a bacteria problem and this system gives me back my life. Please ck out alkaline water, because it will definitely make a difference in the way your body sweat smells. Your body sweat will thank you and your organs will thank you.

  67. I am just now jumping on the diy personal products bandwagon (sunscreen, deodorant, facial moisturizer, body butters, etc.). I am afraid to use baking soda because I’ve heard so many horror stories about it. I lost everything that yours calls for DE! I use the food grade to kill rid my house of ants and it doesn’t hurt the puppy mutts so I have that on hand all the time. Sorry, I digress. I’ve heard Bergamot is an effective underarm deodorant. Would it hurt to add a few drops to this recipe! Thanks!

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    1. Hi Eva! Great question! We have never played with tapioca flour here at the shop and we don’t know much about it. You can always give it a try and see how it turns out! Happy DIYing 😊

  68. I’ve had the same problem with the graininess. I found a post online from one of the suppliers I use that said the Shea butter can become grainy if not cooled down quickly enough and suggested putting it in the freezer initially to avoid that. I’m going to try with my next batch and hope it helps.

  69. Making this tomorrow in my stick containers. I’ll let you know how it goes! Thank you! I wanted to get away from the b.s. ????

  70. Thank you for the recipe I can’t wait to try this one and will share on my fcebook page to my friends wanting a recipe without baking soda..

  71. Thank you for the recipe. Extremely excited to try this as the baking soda often gives me a rash. Interesting to add DE though and I happen to have some as have been using in my smoothies lately. Who would of thought to add it to deodorant. Cant wait to make this.

        1. Hi Sue! Jess created this recipe with diatomaceous earth in mind. We have never tried to use bentonite clay in its place! If you wish to use bentonite clay in its place, be sure you keep the powder ratios the same. I hope this helps you 😊

  72. I just wanted to leave a comment on my experiences with this recipe. Let me first start by saying that I’m a huge fan of this website and it’s many recipes. Most of the recipes I’ve used have turned out great. I tried this deodorant recipe and used it for over 6 months (I wanted to make sure that I REALLY tried it out before calling it quits). Here is what happened:

    At first, I loved it! It smelled good and felt moisturizing on my sensitive armpits. I was optimistic about the effectiveness. It worked great at first. I have horses so I work outside every afternoon and all day on the weekends. The deodorant did not hold up to those sweaty horse afternoons and weekends. I tried reapplying it before going to the stable thinking it had probably worn off during the day but it did not help. It ended up being a mixture of my armpit stink and the lavender scent of my deodorant. Keep in mind, I stuck with this for 6 months! I know there is a detox period and I made it through that and just continued on hoping that things would work themselves out in the armpit area. The other thing that happened was it stained my clothes. I’ll admit, I may have overused it trying to not smell like BO at the stable. But still.. that sucks! On a positive note, it worked well at my job in an air conditioned building. The recipe was easy to make too which was awesome. I think that this deodorant would work best for someone who does not sweat too much and works inside all day. I don’t want to be too negative because this deodorant probably worked great for some people. I just wanted to add my opinion and experience to this list.

    Thanks for reading! DIY Mommy, keep posting your recipes! I really enjoy trying them and this is the only one that hasn’t worked out for me. The rest have been awesome!

    1. Alex, it took me a very long time to convert to more natural and/or organic deodorants. Looking back, I am guessing over the course of a couple of years. My husband would comment often on my body odor and sometimes it felt like one shower was not enough. But keep at it!!! You will get to a point where you will forget to use deodorant, or intentionally not use it at all, and you will survive between showers. And as you noticed already: less is more. That is key with any natural deodorants. One swipe if you are using a stick or something similar. Good luck!!

    2. I find this recipe very helpful but where as some people may not have to use baking soda, some cannot go without it, or else. When I use this recipe for family gifts around holidays, I make both types (with and without the baking soda).

  73. I’m not sure I want 10lbs of DE. What else would I do with it OR is there another brand that sells smaller quantities that you like equally well?

  74. I want to try this recipe, and I already have most of these ingredients or can buy them locally, except the sweet almond oil.

    Could I use avocado or sunflower instead? Or something else I can get at the grocery store?

    The almond oil is the only think I need and I don’t want to have to pay shipping for one ingredient.

    What’s your experience with these oils in deodorant?

  75. I was just wondering if you knew of any good quality online stores like Mountain Rose Herb in Canada so I can order all my supplies to make lots of your DIYs? I loaded up my cart on MRH and shipping to Canada was like $50!

    1. I’ve gone to many holistic supply stores for ingredients, but lately, I find that Amazon has the best prices and options. I can find organic raw ingredients (I’ve purchased Shea, Beeswax, DE, and EOs all on Amazon) at much better prices and delivered to my door within a couple of days. I have also purchased unrefined Shea from eBay at comparable prices, as well. I’m in the US, so I’m not sure of the Prime shipping difference to Canada, but you may want to take a look.

  76. This is one of the best recipes I have ever tried for making the homemade deodorant. These deodorant for kids just work best and provide all day protection against smell while keeping the kids fresh and confident.

  77. So, my scale DIED on me about halfway through this recipe!! And just for anyone who has a similar experience, 15 grams of arrowroot powder is 1.88 tablespoons (I found an arrowroot converter online!!), and the best guess of some food-grade DE people I also found online, 15 grams is about one tablespoon. That’s what I used, anyway, since I wasn’t going to do any better with my dead scale! FYI! lol Sorry I can’t help with the oils/butters, but I measured THOSE before it died. It was a sudden death. ;(

    1. Sudden Death! Not good!!! Well, I’m glad that you were able to find those measurements to complete your deodorant. Thank you for sharing here in case others experience the horrible Sudden Scale Death (shudder…).

  78. I followed the recipe exactly, using Jojoba Oil for the carrier (it was what I had on hand at the time) and without the Vitamin E (I didn’t have any on hand).
    I used an EO blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, cajeput, rosemary, lavender and vetiver and oh my GOODNESS I am in love. Not only does this deodorant smell wonderful, it WORKS and doesn’t turn to liquid on a hot day! DEFINITELY my new “go to” deodorant recipe!!!

    NOTE: I did not have any food grade DE, so I stopped at a local health food store which carries bulk ingredients and spent roughly $0.69 on the DE and Arrowroot Powder to make this recipe 🙂

  79. I failed to sift the DE!! There are lumps, albeit small ones. Fortunately, I don’t care too much. But will sift and whisk more vigorously next time!

  80. Hi, i was wondering if I could substitute the beeswax for something else? I am allergic to any beeswax derived products, actually am allergic to every deodorant I have tried, so am getting pretty desperate!
    Another question I have is, is this DE easy to find? I live in Brazil and am not sure if I could find it that easily.
    Thanks so much!!!

    1. Hi Emily! We have had a few people say they’ve used a vegan wax in place of the beeswax. You could try candelilla wax or carnauba wax. We have never work with those waxes before but I believe they are much harder than beeswax. You might want to make sure on the ratios before using it. As for the DE, we sell some in our herbal boutique. We do ship worldwide! I hope this helps you! Happy DIYing 😊

  81. I have to say that I AM a stinker… and tried everything, including the baking soda recipes that burned my pits. I’m definitely making this today, thanks for the recipe.

    My tip for the transition…. Magnesium oil spray. I stopped using my ‘secret’ deodorant last December and its been 5 months now that I’ve used Magnesium oil spray only. What a difference. I have not had the stench. However, i know with warmer days coming that I’ll need something more effective and this blend sounds perfect. Thanks for sharing!

  82. I just got some DE for homemade toothpaste and was wondering what to do with the gigantic bag of it. I can’t wait to make some deo. . I have been using a natural one (the top-rated one out there that EVERYONE was talking about) and I still have odor on occasion. It has BS in it. I am going to see if the DE helps. I also think my diet may be to blame. When I was pure primal I didn’t even need deo, but lately I have been on a sugar binge and I think that definitely affects my sweat and my stink. Thank you for the recipe. I’ll keep you posted.

  83. I ordered DE on amazon (one that high reviews!) and I’m going to try making this today. I’ve been using natural deodorant for around 4 years now, I started with a basic coconut oil, arrowroot powder and baking soda blend. But after a year or so of use, I started being very irritated and break out painfully in my armpits. I’ve tried just about every other recipe out there since! I tried one that only has a bunch of natural butters and tea tree oil, but I stank using it :-/ I’ve tried Tom’s and Honest Company’s and neither one of them are good solutions. The one that worked the best (even if not 100%) was a deodorant from Lemon Grass Spa, and it did have some baking soda in it, although probably a lot less than what I had put in my own. And it’s really weird, because consistently it’s my right pit that is the offender! I’ve looked up a TON of recipes, and this is the only one that’s different from the others. I tried adding shea butter to the baking soda one but it didn’t improve my situation. I have since gone back to my baking soda one after several months of trying other options and haven’t had irritation yet, although I feel like it’s only a matter of time. I have really high hopes here for this recipe!!

  84. I made this deodorant about 6 months ago. It did take a while for my body to get used to it; if I recall correctly it was about a month. The side effects are some excessive sweating and some body odor, you just have to get past it (which I did). I found that it doesn’t matter if I use a little bit or a lot, it works! (So use a little.) I also found out that if I use my Olive Oil based Healing Salve before the deodorant, it does NOT work that well, if at all. However, if I use Coconut Oil before the deodorant, it works just fine. (I just put the Healing Salve on last.) Overall this is an awesome recipe that I will continue to use. Thank you for posting it.

  85. Thank you so much for the amazing recipe. I have made it a few times, experimenting with different essential oils. The one difficulty I seem to be experiencing is that about 3/4 of the jar (bottom portion) has a granular texture, while the first 1/4 is smooth and creamy. It is a bit rough on application, but eventually melts down. Do you have any suggestions to prevent this from occurring?

    1. Hooray! So glad that you love it, too. <3
      Hmmm, it sounds as though it might not be mixed up enough. Also, sometimes (depending on the brand of DE) you might have larger granules. In that case, I simply wouldn't pour the bottom part.

  86. I found your recipe after I’d bought the baking soda! (Used half teaspoonful as I tolerate bought one (£9 a pop) well which has BS in it.
    Must find the old DE from my chicken keeping in the shed and knock up another batch, but I am writing to say I am super excited by the 10drops each of Manuka oil and orange oil… Manuka is apparently much gentler than teatree,, and has incredible healing properties.
    Smells AMaZING.

  87. I used kaolin clay instead of DE (did not have any..), don’t know if that is why it did not work for me (I have been using deo with BS or just coconut oil previously), but my daughter and boyfriend loved this. The deo became so hard that it was impossible to get it out of a jar with fingers, but for a deo stick it worked perfectly. Will adjust the amount of hard and soft fats for next time ’cause I like mine in a jar 🙂

    1. Hi there! This recipe was written with diatomaceous earth in mind. We have never tried to use bentonite clay in place of it. If you wish to try it, just be sure to keep the powder ratios the same so the consistency stays the same. I hope this helps you!

  88. This recipe sounds interesting, I like the fact that it doesn’t have antiperspirant. I agree, we are meant to sweat. I read somewhere that antiperspirants are linked to breast cancer. I am allergic to deodorants, so I have used milk of magnesia as deodorant almost my entire life. During puberty, when I started to develop body odor, my mother bought me a deodorant. Two days after I started using it, I got a rash, so she took me to the doctor. The doctor told us that I was allergic to deodorants, so I would have to use milk of magnesia instead. I am in my middle forties and still use it. The only time I tried to use a different product my allergy showed up again, this time with a vengeance in the form of mustard yellow stains in my shirts. Turns out that my body’s allergic response is sending a specialized type of white blood cells to the area where the deodorant is and they release a yellow substance that gets carried out in my sweat, the doctor said that the antiperspirant ingredients worsen the response triggering the white blood cell “yellow tactics”. Long story short, deodorant lost, milk of magnesia won. Oh by the way the only thing I am careful when using it is when wearing sleeveless shirts or dark colored clothing. In those cases is better to apply a thin layer, and let it dry before wearing them, to avoid chalky color spots in the clothes (nothing the normal wash cycle can’t take care of). Otherwise, I don’t even wait for it to dry when I am in a hurry. I am curious about your deodorant recipe so I’ll give it a try. Thank you for sharing it.

  89. I’m dying to make this recipe! So excited! I just wish you had the measurements in TBSP/TSP… I feel like they would be more accurate than the scale.

    1. Hi there! We love using scales here at Pronounce! But I understand wanting to use Tbsp/tsp. Math is fun lol! Whenever we need to convert measurements we use this chart. I hope this helps you!

  90. Would it be possible to make this without the beeswax? I’m vegan and don’t want to use animal products in it. Please let me know if there’s something I could substitute in. Thanks!

    1. Hi Shawna! We’ve heard some people have replaced the beeswax with candelilla wax. We have never played with it here at the shop but I think it is harder than beeswax. You might need to adjust the ratios a bit. I hope this helps you! 😊

  91. I love this deodorant. I made it for my Mom and myself. It was thick enough for a tube. Now I’ll just have to experiment with the fragrance I want. Thank you so much for sharing. I live in Florida so I think I may use a little more clay to thicken it up a bit. Or should I use more of another ingredient?

  92. Hi, I am impressed with the recipe and also after reading the comments of other readers, I mixed frankincense and wild orange in this. The smell was not good at the beginning, but later I checked the proportion of wild orange, it has a stronger perfume which often overdose the whole thing, will do some new experiments soon, keep posting till then 🙂

  93. I made this recipe with lavender, frankincense, tea tree and patchouli essential oils. I was expecting an initial phase where it didn’t work too well, but I’m thrilled to say that it’s doing the job from day 1! I have also been using a bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar and water paste (there’s a recipe on the Wellness Mama site) for 5-10 minutes to help draw out any nasties before using this deodorant. I used to use an antiperspirant so I’m noticing that I’m sweating a little now, but I can deal with that. Thanks so much for a great recipe!

  94. I love this deodorant recipe. I used coconut oil infused with calendula and plantain for a little extra. I was looking at the stronger deodorant recipe but I’m not a fan of Neem oil. It is just way too strong and overpowering for me. I did try it in another deodorant recipe and ended up trashing it.

  95. I have stopped using homemade deodorant because of the white residue on my dark clothes… Does the DE “powder” out on clothing?!

    1. Hi Tina! This recipe makes about 4 oz, so that should make about two tubes. You can keep one for yourself and give the other as a gift 😊

  96. I have to say I am extremely impressed with my results from this deodorant! I started my detox about a month ago (which lasted about 2 to 3 weeks) and started using this deodorant 3 weeks ago. First off, I should add that I am someone who naturally sweats a LOT! And I mean on an everyday basis just sitting around I sweat more than some people do when they workout, but a lot of that has changed. Even with antiperspirants I would sweat a lot and have to reapply 2 or 3 times a day to stop the smell. I now sweat less after switching to this deodorant and I don’t smell! Occasionally, I reapply in the late afternoon just to feel extra fresh, but it isn’t necessary because I don’t smell (just the scent has faded by that time). For my essential oils I used
    2 drops frankincense
    2 drops melaluca
    2 drops lavender
    8 drops lime
    12 drops lemongrass
    I absolutely love the smell of it and I chose those oils as they have great benefits for my armpits. I’m thankful for you posting this because I really wanted to make the switch from commercial deodorants, but I didn’t want to use baking soda after hearing how it affected many people. Breast cancer runs in my family (grandmas on both sides and my mom have had it) so I am trying to do what I can to prevent it. I’m only 21 so I’m hoping this switch isn’t too late to help lower my chances of cancer. Again, great recipes and it really works better than any conventional deodorant I have ever used!

  97. I love this! I made a small sample batch a while back and it worked really well for me. I recently started a blog, and I would love to share this, because it works so well. A lot of the homemade deodorants call for baking soda, which I do use frequently for many other things, but baking soda and my armpits do not agree. Get back with me when you get a moment please.

    1. Hi Faith. Hooray! So glad it works so well for you, too. 🙂

      Sure, feel free to share on your blog. You can share a picture of mine, a brief snippet from my recipe intro, and then link back to my site for your readers to get the full recipe and the ‘how to’ make it. That would be wonderful to spread the healthy, effective, non-toxic DIY deodorant love. <3

  98. Can you use castor oil as a carrier oil? It’s melting point is -18C and -0.4 Fahrenheit. Also would you consider putting Fahrenheit and Celsius degrees in this recipe, as I think it would be helpful to European ect. readers. Thanks!

  99. If you put it in the roll on applicator, use more beeswax to make it a little less ‘melty’. I had to scrape mine out and add some more because it was melting on the stick, and getting all over my shirts and leaving oily stains.

  100. I LOVE this deodorant! It’s fantastic! I’ve been using a “natural ” deodorant for a few years but still suffered with odor & had to reapply throughout the day. Not so with this recipe. Evens holds up through hot flashes????. Truly the most successful DIY recipe I’ve tried. Thank you for sharing.

  101. Hi Scratchmommy,

    Is it possible for me to make a more lotion like version? I wanted to make one for me I can place in a squirt bottle. If so what ingredient would I add more of to dilute this?

    1. Hmmmmm, good question. I guess you’d want to add more of your carrier oil. Just shake, as things would settle. Happy DIYing!

  102. About to try this….. I head to my bathroom for an old Deo stick container to reuse and discover that they are all only half full! Who knew? going to try a smaller one or maybe a travel one, hopefully the stopper runs to the bottom . Never thought deo companies were only selling half sticks! What a waste of plastic, and very sneaky too.

  103. Hi, I made this deodorant a few weeks ago using French clay (montmorillonite) instead of diatomaceous earth. I tried to put it in a stick container and it doesn’t work, since it’s too soft. I made a second batch and put it in a small plastic jar and it works very well. You might want to update the footnotes of this recipe, since you say that it might work in a stick container.
    I usually don’t need any deodorant at all, but I like to wear it in summer. Overall I’m very pleased with the recipe.

    1. Yay! We’re glad you love this recipe as much as we do! That is interesting about the consistency. This is the recipe Jess created and uses for the deodorant we sell in the shop. Ours is definitely solid for the tube. Did you deviate from the recipe at all?

  104. Hello! I was wondering if you ship worldwide? I wanted to try this recipe but I’m afraid some of the ingredients aren’t available here in the Philippines. My mother has just finished her chemotherapy cycle for Breast Cancer and she always tell me and my sisters to look for better deodorants or at least shower before going to sleep to remove the deodorant residues because it has bad effects. I thought, the only way you can really be sure that a product is all natural is if you do it yourself. So, I was looking for an all natural but effective recipe and found yours! 🙂

    Would love to try your product and will share my experience on my blog too <3

  105. I tried this after detoxifying (with apple cider vinegar, water and essential oils) for a week – mixed all the ingredients correctly and got a nice consistency – but I’m afraid it didn’t work for me! After putting it on in the morning at around 7:00 and heading to work, by around 10:30 the odor began to come through.
    Such a shame as I’m allergic to baking soda DIY deodorants (they broke me out in red bumps) and was looking for a recipe for a safer alternative.
    I think my last chance might be trying lemon juice, zinc oxide, or adding benontite clay to the mixture… eeek :L

    1. Hi Becki. Thanks for your note…and I’m glad you gave it a try. I will say that using it for one day only is not a good way to see if it works! Even though you did the detox (good job!!!), you are using a new product and should give it more than one try. Also, you might need to reapply, especially at first, since your body is adjusting. Finally, you might simply need a bit more oomph. My DeFunkifying deodorant recipe might be a better deodorant for you. I’d love for you to give this another try for longer than one day…perhaps even alternate with your old deodorant so your body can adjust? Wishing you the best and thinking that you really *can* break free from the baking soda!

  106. Happy to see this posted. I use a recipe similar to this. At first I broke out in a rash on my arms, but that only lasted for two days. I love it.

  107. I wish the measurements were also listed in cups/teaspoons/tablespoons for those without scales! I’ll approximate it!

  108. Hi Jessica,
    I have a daughter and she now needs to use a deodorant, but I do not want her to use the commercial deodorants, so I searched the internet and came across your recipe. It is really good that you explained the benefits of each ingredient because it made me understand its importance and how your recipe will work on the body to fight the stink. We are using it now and I love that we were able to choose what scent we wanted. I also understand about the detox phase so I am giving myself a couple of weeks before expecting it to be effective for me. My question is, is it natural that it does not work its powers yet with my daughter eventhough she has not used any deodorant before this? Is she also in a detox phase? How long will it take before it works for her? Thank you.

    1. Hi Gina! Great question…and I really don’t have a definite answer for you. Detoxing involves more then just detoxing from a previous deodorant. It also involves detoxing things like food and other body products, as those things do come out through sweat. I can’t say how long it will take with any certainty. You might want to do the detox (both of you) and then keep using the deodorant. I’d give it a couple of weeks and you should see results. I’m so glad you are introducing her to a natural and healthy alternative to the toxic products on most store shelves!

  109. Be careful of that unrefined beeswax.. I used to use it in homemade Chapstick till last year, when it made my lips dry and swollen.. Did some research and learned that some people can develop an allergy to propolis after repeated use..

    1. Hi Christine,

      Beeswax really is a lovely ingredient and has great benefits for most people. A very small percentage (from what I’m reading approx. 4 to 6%) of the population is suspected to have a sensitivity to propolis. Your comment here is a good reminder, though, that we should all be aware that many ingredients (even natural &/or organic!) are potential allergens for people and can cause allergic contact dermatitis on the skin. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  110. I made the deodorant a couple of weeks ago and I have to say, it definitely works! My only “complaint” is that it’s a bit hard. I had been using a baking soda and coconut oil mixture, as well as arrowroot and coconut oil (sometimes the baking soda bothers me, but most times it’s okay). So…my question. I was thinking of modifying your recipe so that I make it with: DE, arrowroot flour coconut oil and Vitamin E. Leaving out the beeswax and shea butter. Your thoughts? Or just leaving out the beeswax and keeping the shea butter? Would love to hear other’s thoughts and ideas on this!

    1. Hi there. No, so sorry…I only create my skincare products (and many other DIY products in my home) using a scale.

    2. Hi,
      After reading through all of these comments and seeing the question asked repeatedly about needing the recipe measured in cups, tsp., etc., I would like to make the suggestion of going to a website that converts it for you; grams into tablespoons and the like. http://www.convertunits.com is one to check, it’s very quick and easy! Just thought I would share, because I will be using it! ha-ha
      Thanks for this wonderful recipe, I can’t wait to whip it up and use it!

  111. Just curious what you think about primal pit paste or fat face skin care deodorants? They both contain baking soda, but they’re non aluminum according to their websites. Is this still bad?

    1. Hi Kaylyn! We aren’t so familiar with those companies. As you probably picked up on, we aren’t big fans of baking soda. If the baking soda doesn’t bother you and you like the ingredients in those products, go for it. I hope this helps you!

  112. Good evening! Still loving this recipe! For the ladies who have found it to leave marks on there clothing, which I have not have happen, try waiting a bit after applying deodorant before putting on your outfit for the day, also try using arrowroot powder, cornstrach, talc, or if not sensitive a bit of baking soda dusted over it to “set it” Hope this helps! Here’s to happy pits for all! 😉

    1. Fantastic! I’m glad that you are loving it, too, Karen. 🙂

      This is a good tip! I also don’t have any staining, but helping it to set if in a hurry and not having time for it to soak in and dry with a healthy powder is a good idea.

      Thanks so much for your feedback. It’s much appreciated!

  113. Do I absolutely have to use a scale (don’t own one)? Can you give the measurements in T and tsp? Thanks for a great website.

    1. Thanks for your note, Nik. No, unfortunately I do not create my DIY recipes using T and tsp. A scale is your best bet to get an accurate concoction. You can find a great affordable scale here. It’s the one I own and love. You can learn more about it HERE on our site, too.

  114. Great recipe! Our family is making the switch to homemade bath and body products after reading about all the nasty stuff that’s in regular store bought stuff! Before using this deoderant, I did a mud treatment on my pits, just as you would for your face, using bentonite clay to help detox my pits. I used patchuoli, geranium, and lavender essential oils and a little extra d.e. and have been delighted with the results! Looking forward to future bath and body recipes! 🙂

    1. <3 Fantastic! Your detox sounds perfect, too.

      So glad you're loving your new DIY deodorant. And yes...we will always have lots of new DIY recipes coming out. So glad you found us!

  115. The first time I used this my armpits had a very painful outbreak. After research, I found a detox recipe. Between using the detox recipe for a week and then putting fractionated coconut oil on before applying the deodorant, this works wonderful. I love knowing that all those horrible chemicals are no longer entering my system. It adds a new element to feeling “clean”.

  116. Hi Jess, Just wanted to say I received my 2 ounce deoderant the other day and I love it! Thank you so much for something without baking soda in it. I have tried other deodorants with baking soda and they always leave me red and itchy. I want to make more with the recipe you have provided. I really like the tins you use and was wondering where I might get ahold of some. Yours have screw on lids and I have not been able to find some to order. Would appreciate your help. Thanks again for the great deo!

    1. Hi Ruby!

      Yay! I’m so happy that you love it. 🙂 Yes, you can find tins at Mountain Rose Herbs. You can also find some affordable tins on Amazon. I order mine in large bulk, but these two options will definitely suit your needs. Happy DIYing…and thank you for supporting and creating healthy, organic skincare solutions! <3

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  117. Ive made your deodarant a couple of times now and really like it. Thanks for the recipe but I’m wondering if you could tell me what maybe happened the last time I made it. The first time I used DE from capsules, because I had them on hand. The second time I used DE food grade that I ordered from amazon and thats the only difference. This time it was much darker in color than the first but more interestingly very smooth when I first made it but became more grainy as I continued to use it. Not uncomfortable to apply but just requires more rubbing to make sure the granules dissolve. Have you ever had that happen? And what can I do to avoid that next time? Thanks again!!

    1. So glad you like the recipe, too, Beth! Hmmmmm…did you get food grade diatomaceous Earth? That is important. Otherwise, I can’t imagine what would have been different between the two. Just different sourcing for the DE, perhaps? I wish I could help more.

  118. Hi there,

    I love this deo! You may have addressed this already, and if you have, I am sorry. I tried to sift through all of the comments. My batch turned out quite brown, and since it’s winter, I have been wearing dark clothing and long-sleeved items of course. What happens in the summer, when we are sleeveless? When I apply, my armpits do look brown! Any tips or advice? What has your experience been? thank you for an awesome recipe!!

    1. Hi Kari,

      So glad you love it, too!
      Hmmmm…Yes, it is a bit more brown than the photos show (I took them outside in natural light and they look a bit washed out here), but I haven’t had issues with it browning my skin at all. I’m not sure! Maybe put it on in advance and let it soak in. Wish I could help more, but I haven’t had this issue.

      And you are welcome…happy to share my recipes. 🙂

  119. I am sensitive to coconuts, almonds and apricots. Any suggestions on good substitutes? I have highly sensitive skin and have reacted badly to baking soda and magnesium oil deodorants. Looking for a good alternative that doesn’t use coconut oil.

      1. Hello, I’ve read the carrier oils page and I’m having a terrible time finding a substitute for the coconut oil, one that keeps the consistency. My husband is highly allergic to coconut.

        1. Hi Erica! There is no carrier oil that is exactly the same (consistency-wise) as coconut oil. You can replace it with another carrier oil but it will not set up the same. You could increase some of the beeswax to help it set up a bit more solid. I hope this helps you!

  120. Jessica,
    Loving the deoderant! I’ve made it a couple of times. The first time I used DE that I had on hand from capsules. The second time I used a food grade from 10lbs box that will last a life time :-). The color this time was much darker but not much different from what I see in your pictures. Something else… I experienced this a little with my first formula but this one seems worse. Very smooth in the beginning but the more ive used it the more gritty (bumpy) the formula is. It all dissolves as I smooth it in but kinda aggrevating. Any ideas on what I might have done during formulation? Have you experienced this at all? My arm pits love this formula. Couldnt tolerate the baking soda formulas I had tried. Thanks for your help and posts!!

    1. Hi Beth! Sometimes the shea butter will cause this. Do you know if your shea has been tempered before you used it? We offer shea butter in our herbal boutique that we temper ourselves. I hope this helps you!

  121. I am getting serious about being more natural, less chemical etc. Also nearly every deodorant/antiperspirant gives me a major rash(There is literally one brand I have been able to find that works and doesn’t bother my skin). I have very sensitive skin… I know, not very manly…

    I’ve been looking at DIY deodorants for a few months now and finally decided to try this one. I have everything I need ordered and on it’s way. I decided on “Thieves Oil” for my essential oil blend. It had pretty much everything I was looking for all in one, and seems like it would smell amazing as well. I’m hoping this solves my issues that I have been dealing with for 20 something years of my life.

    1. I wish you success with this recipe, but if it doesn’t work for you, you might want to try milk of magnesia. I am allergic to deodorants, so I have used milk of magnesia as deodorant almost my entire life. The only time I tried something different my allergy kicked back with a vengeance. I want to try the recipe in this page, it sounds very healthy and soothing (I am allergic to shea butter, so I’ll have to substitute it with cacao butter, but I like that smell, so I am looking forward to the result. 🙂

    2. I know that your comment was made a long time ago, but I’m hoping the homemade deodorant worked for you with Thieves oil…if it didn’t, it’s because it’s to “hot” to use exclusively. It might burn or irritate your skin if you use more than a couple of drops…

  122. i’ve searched some cheap DIY deodorant recipes and finally found yours. it seem that i’ll make it as soon as possible, in syaa Alloh. because i need deodorant and my armpit can’t resist to chemical deodorant….

    can I change arrowroot with corn starch? because in indonesia, arrowroot is little bit pricey than corn starch and i only have cornstarch in my room to alternate talc. and it seems good as the cookies, not as the deodorant *whatta meanie me. please reply this comment soon. thanks

    1. Hi Ranny! We have never tried swapping out the arrowroot for cornstarch. We do sell arrowroot powder in our shop and we shop world wide! If you try out the cornstarch come back and let us know how it goes! 😊

  123. Hi!! i want to try this but i can’t find a few things here, so can i sub the shea butter with more beeswax and more coconut oil or almond oil?? and the arrowroot with cornstarch?? the diatomaceous earth i don’t know what it is or if i can sub it with anything or try to look for it here, do you have any idea of what kind of stores had this? Thank you!!

  124. Hi, this recipe looks great. I just have one concern. Don’t shea butter and coconut oil promote hair growth (maybe even for underarms :s)?

    1. Hi Clarisse! I can’t say for certain if shea butter and coconut oil promote hair growth. I have not heard that before! I hope you still get a chance to try out this recipe!

    1. Hi Mary Anne! Yes, you can sub cocoa butter for the shea. It will likely change the texture a bit (making it a tad more stiff), but it should work fine. I would add just a bit less cocoa butter than I list for shea. Hope this helps!

  125. Hi I strongly suspect I have an issue with Shea butter. Any suggestion to get around that ? With your recipe? I’ve noticed when I’m over weight or unwell, i smell when I perspire. I live in Australia- no avoiding perspiring here! Great website.

    1. Redmond Clay is bentonite clay – it’s different than DE but it might work! Give it a try and let us know. 🙂

  126. Hi Jessica,

    This looks like a great alternative for me as I’m suffering from the baking soda based deodorant. It only happens sometimes, my skin just starts to irritate and my armpits look like they’ve been burnt with fire!
    I think it’s all a matter of dose, but it’s very hard for me to hit the right amount, if it’s a little too much it irritates my skin, but if it’s too little, it doesn’t do the job and I stink.
    So I decided to look for other recipes and I’ve found this one.
    There are some logistics troubles for me as I can’t find DE or arrowroot powder nowhere here in Israel and I didn’t find any online shop that ships overseas, but I’ll manage to get it somehow.
    One question I have is, due to the fact I’m vegan and don’t use any animal based products, will the deodorant be OK without the beeswax? I guess it will only change the consistence, right? Perhaps I’ll have to use less liquid oils so it won’t be too runny.

    Thanks,
    Ziv

    1. Hi Ziv! I understand and respect your Vegan lifestyle and desire to not use beeswax. I’m just not sure it will set up properly. Do you have carnauba wax (which is a plant derived wax)? You could sub that (using less than I suggest using for beeswax, as carnauba is a harder wax). Hope this helps. 🙂

    2. Hello!
      I made this with candelilla wax (I literally just finished and it’s setting up now) and while it took a little longer for candelilla wax to melt over the shea butter it eventually all came together and seems to be working well. I bought my wax on Amazon to use for homemade lip balm, but tried it with this recipe first :). I’m planning to use this deodorant today for the first time. I love how quickly it all came together and how easy it was to make. I have been off the aluminum deodorants for a while now so I don’t anticipate any detox. I have had a hard time using the natural ones with baking soda so I’m so glad I found this! Thank you!!

    3. Hi, Ziv. I’m vegan, and I used 6 grams if carnauba wax in mine. It turned out a little too solid, so I’m going to try 5 grams next time.

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  127. I am relatively new to the homemade bath and body scene, but I’ve recently had my eyes opened to the harsh realities of toxins in commercial products, and have decided to make a change. I searched a while for a recipe for deodorant that looked unique and inspiring, and yours won. I made a few of these today for Christmas presents, and put them into old deodorant sticks that had been used up. They work great in a twist-up container. It set up amazingly and goes on smooth. I have only worn it once, so no noticeable results yet, obviously, but I’m really excited to be moving away from the toxins in regular deodorants.

  128. I finally got all of the ingredients and made my first batch without essential oils. I have been “detoxing” from regular deodorents for a few weeks now. Can’t wait to see how this works. Maybe next round I will get get a few EO’s to try out. I love your sunblock and foundation so I expect this to be great as well.

  129. Hello! I have made numerous deo recipes but I can never seem to get the fragrance scent to come through so my kids won’t use it. Help! Any suggestions?

    1. Hi Carolee! If you want a stronger EO scent you can add more drops as long as they won’t be irritating to you or your kids. Happy DIYing 😊

  130. Are these deodorant recipes safe to use for children’s deodorant? I have an almost 8 year old that has started to smell a little stinky and I wanted to go the natural route with her since it is healthier and she is so young.

  131. I use corn starch, baking soda, mineral oil and coconut oil. I spray a tiny bit of my favorite fragrance in the jar. This works great once I stopped using store bought.

  132. I was making the baking soda/arrowroot/coconut version until my husband had a bad reaction to the baking soda and his underarms turned bright red with inflammation. If I did not add any baking soda we would smell. Then It found your recipe and it is amazing!!! Thank you!

    I did adapt it to make it hold up better in a plastic deodorant container and added a tiny amount of baking soda that helps keeps you stink-free in Texas without causing that horrid baking-soda rash.

    Changes:
    10g Shea + 10g Cocoa butter (instead of 20g Shea, love cocoa butter)
    5g almond oil (instead of 10)
    15g beeswax (instead of 10, more solid for roll-on)
    12g DE + 3g baking soda (instead of 15g DE, tiny bit of baking soda keeps stink away but does not seem to hurt sensitive skin)

    I poured this in an old deodorant container and it is just like store bought in consistancy, but so incredible effective. I just made a batch for my sister who is pregnant and my 11 year old niece who just started needing to use deodorant. I feel so good they aren’t exposing themselves to dangerous chemicals.

  133. Hi Hanna,

    Yes, you could still need a time to adjust, for sure!

    You are moving to something brand new to your body…I would give it more than two days (and perhaps apply a little more than you did). If you can work through this period and not have to go back to irritating baking soda or aluminum filled products, you’ll be really happy. 😉

  134. Hi Jess. Great post! Enjoying every single post u have. 🙂
    I have a few questions –
    1) any difference between the 2 type u made? Other than sweaty and more sweaty?
    2) will it stain the arm pits?

    Incidentally do u have any home made recipes/product to whiten the pits? Thks in advance.

    Beck

    1. Hi Becky! That’s just about it with the two kinds of deos. In our defunkifying deodorant you’ll find a few different ingredients and essential oils for the super sweaty pits. These recipes should not stain your armpits. We have never had anyone tell us it has stained their pits! To answer your question about pit whitening products, we do have a skin lightening serum. We have never had anyone try it on their pits (that we know of) so we aren’t sure how well it would work. I hope this has helped you! Happy DIYing 😊

  135. The first two batches that I made came out fantastic! Thank you. The next batch I made wasn’t as solid I would have liked it. My question is once made can I put it back in the double boiler and add more beeswax to make it harder or will that ruin it?

    1. Yay! Glad you are loving the recipe. Yes, you absolutely can gently melt it back down and add more beeswax. Happy DIYing!!

  136. After reading the comments, I made this for hubby with French white clay instead of DE because I had some on hand (was finally able to find food grade DE locally in a natural food store, it was with the cleaning/plumbing chemicals!) I scented it with a bit of neroli and Shea blossom fragrance oil from Brambleberry because it’s a nice, masculine scent and I hadn’t tiny bit left from a sample. Hubby was using it and really liked it. He had been using just a scented talc which was nice but not super effective when really put to the test. He just got back from a conference in Las Vegas and said that the new deodorant worked great! Even with all the hot weather and walking around and being crammed into crowded conference halls, he was never stinky! He was really impressed! Thanks so much for the recipe!

  137. I’d love to try this one (already bought all the ingredients) but I don’t have a scale. Can you give the measurements in cups, teaspoons etc? Thanks! Love your site!!

    1. Hi Hanna,

      Ack…so sorry. I don’t measure my recipes in cups, teaspoons, etc. They are best created by weight. You can find an affordable scale online through Amazon, or possibly at a big box retailer. Once you have it, trust me…you’ll want to use it all of the time (for baking, DIYs, etc etc etc).

      You can read about my favorite digital scale here (and get another great DIY recipe for using it)…
      http://www.scratchmommy.com/diy-kitty-balm-recipe-like-tiger-balm-new-kitchen-scale/

      1. Hello again! I bought the scale and made a batch. Been using it for two days now .. And I am sad to say it doesn’t keep me stinkless!
        Previously I’ve used baking soda home made deodorant which worked perfectly (no stink whatsoever! Even after 8 h hike) but it gave me horrible itchy bumps, broke my skin etc.
        If I had used aluminum deo previously I could understand I have a detox period, but would this be the case when I’ve used baking soda one? Please help!!

  138. Tried homemade deodorant with baking soda and loved the odor control but unfortunately had horrid reaction. We are talking pits aflame here! Found your recipe and made it. Bummed it doesn’t work as well. I usually use a crystal roll on with it and it seems to do the trick. I am wondering if you have put a small amount of baking soda in and if that works? I’m really loving this recipe ( my pits have never been so smooth) but I just have a bit more funk than I’m comfortable with! Going to take a small amount and add a small bit of baking soda. Open to any other ideas!

    1. Hi there! Well, the DE is pretty important to this recipe, but you could try subbing in a clay (like kaolin). DE is quite affordable (see my link above), but if you have a clay on hand that you like it *might* work for you.

        1. Mine doesn’t, but yours might. You may have a better chance finding it at your local hardware/gardening store. Just make sure that it is food grade DE.

      1. Hi there, I just came across your site and I’d like to order your deodorant before I make it myself. Is the fragrance for males the one with patchouli? Wondering if one is unisex as my husband and I both intend to use it. Thanks!

  139. My deodorant was totally the wrong texture. It was pretty hard instead of more ointment-like. It was really hard to spread, but effective! I think maybe my scale wasn’t very accurate and I had too much arrowroot powder and DE. I’m about to try again!

      1. The new batch turned out great! I was very careful in measuring and even put a teeny-tiny bit less arrowroot powder and DE and a teeny-tiny bit more of the oils. It was totally different. The first bath, when whisked, almost immediately set-up. I had to spoon it out. This time it was still liquid, so I was able to pour it out. It set up quite nicely. The man didn’t get his special Old Spice this time – I was too nervous to get it right….next time. Next time I think I’ll add more Tea Tree Oil as well. Thanks so much!

  140. I bought some of this deodorant and love it! I am going to make it myself today. My man really loves his Old Spice. I was wondering what you thought about adding some drops of his aftershave to it for fragrance instead of the essential oils. I realize it introduces alcohol and other substances. Do you think it will affect the consistency or effectiveness?

    1. Hi there! Yay!! Glad you love it AND are going to DIY it yourself! 🙂

      I think that adding a few drops for hubs will be just fine. Please stop back and let me know how it turns out!

  141. Do you think this would still work well without the beeswax? I’ve been looking for a good baking soda free deodorant as mine also gave me a rash. 🙁

    I’m sure leaving out the beeswax would make it less solid but I’m wondering if it had another purpose other than that.

    Thanks!

    1. Hi Amy,

      Gosh…really great question. Honestly, my hunch is no…that it wouldn’t work very well. The beeswax does help it to be more solid and helps it to stay in place while wearing it. I fear that it would be, too runny without it. BUT…that said, you never know until you try! That’s how almost all of my DIYs come to fruition! So, if you have the goodies already at home then I say whip it up and see how it works. Let us know if you decide to try!

  142. I am very sad. I thought finally a diy deodorant that wouldn’t irritate my pits and would keep me from stinking. Sadly after only a few hours in 70 degree weather when I wasn’t even sweating I started to smell funky. I even added 1 T of bentonite clay to the recipe and still no luck. I used 20 drops of lavender and 2 drops tea tree oil. I guess I will go back to the irritation farm. What is a girl to do? I found out I was allergic to store bought deo, baking soda deo creates a rash, and now I just smell really funky. Sigh. Maybe I should just buy a t-shirt that says sorry I stink get over it. Let me know though if you ever get the new recipe posted please that you said was super de-funking. 🙂

    1. Hi Teri,

      So sorry to hear that it didn’t work on your first day…but I’m honestly not shocked. Whenever you switch to something different (very different, in this case) for your armpits you (more than likely) WILL stink a bit! You have to keep trying. In fact, I recommend that you actually detox for a couple of days before trying something natural. Seriously…sounds crazy…but if you can go for a weekend (or even a bit longer) with no deodorant you will give you body a chance to detox. Our bodies NEED this detoxing phase.

      Having an initial cleanse is pretty important. Or…if you find that you truly cannot go for a few days without deodorant, you will have to use this one (or any other natural deodorant) for a week or so before you body starts to adjust. It pains me to hear of people who try to use natural deodorants without detoxifying their pits, who then complain that they don’t work. You have to get rid of the decaying matter in your body before you can ask your body not to smell. …and remember, sweating is a GOOD thing! We want to sweat…we just don’t want to stink.

      I would love for you to try this again and let me know how you do. You may want to do a little extra research on switching to a natural, organic deodorant to help give you a better understanding of what to expect. Oh…also, good idea with the essential oils. You can always add a few more drops (so long as it isn’t irritating you) and you can also add a bit more DE. It will make it a bit more ‘stiff’, but will help in grabbing odors.

      Finally…one thing that sticks out for me here is that my deodorant doesn’t irritate you. That is GREAT! It sounds to me like you should do a little extra reading, give it another try, and then see how it goes. You are off to a great start with the deodorant not irritating…so I’d love to see you see it through a bit longer. Let me know when you do! 🙂

  143. I tried this recipe and it did not work for me. I was so funky smelling that I only gave it a long weekend to try it out. I mixed it with my old recipe and was very happy! So I added about 25g of baking soda to what was left and it seems to be working pretty well. The other ingredients are very, very soothing and I’m more comfortable than I was with the simpler recipe I used previously.

    1. I’m glad that you were able to tweak the recipe and make it work for you. If you find that you are irritated down the road, you might try it without the BS again. It’s actually a pretty strong irritant for many people, as it’s not PH balanced for our body’s makeup. You can read some other comments and suggestions I’ve left for people here that might help you adjust to life without the baking soda, if it starts to irritate. BUT…I’m glad you are loving the way it is so soothing. I love that, too. Thanks for stopping by!

  144. Any advise you can give on making this stronger, or longer lasting? I’m not a very “smelly” person, but this deodorant doesn’t get me through a full shift waitressing. I haven’t used commercial deodorant in years, so I know I’m not detoxing. Baking soda irritates my skin, and so does the crystal deodorant I’ve tried (so did the chemical brands I used to use)… I would really love to find something that works for me!

    1. Hi there! Since you have eliminated detoxing as a possible concern, I’d say that adding more DE would be helpful for you. Also, feel free to add some more essential oils, so long as they aren’t irritating for you and you follow guidelines of approximately how much you should use.

  145. How do you ship your products? Do you find that any of your items melt? I’m trying to make a cream with shea butter, beeswax and coconut for my dad but am afraid to send it out to him. I don’t want it to be a hot mess of goo by the time it gets two states away. Any tips?

  146. Jess, I can see in the picture that the color is like that of the deo I make. I used food grade DE once, in place of BS and my deo went a taupe color. How is yours so white/ivory looking and will it stain white undergarments and even shirts or dresses? I did not use the one I made because it was so dark and I thought it would cause staining. Does your cause staining or discoloration, maybe even a dullness of the white clothes? I would really like to try a deodorant without baking soda. Thank you so much for sharing!

    1. I just made some and mine is dark dark brown? I guess from the DE. I used the kind I use for my chickens! unless I did something wrong.

      1. Unless the kind you use for your chickens is the kind that’s made for humans, that may be the problem. Apparently poultry-grade DE isn’t the same as pure DE made for human consumption.

        (I’m not an expert, it’s just what I’ve read)

      2. Hello! Mine is a bit darker than the pictures imply. I took the pics outside in natural light and did no editing. So, it does appear lighter than reality in my pics. Just make sure you use food grade DE. 🙂

    2. Hello! Nope, I’ve had zero staining with my clothing. Mine looks lighter than reality in the pics as I took them outside and did no editing. Hope this helps. 🙂

      1. Hi ! I have to tell you that I put this deodorant to the test today. I went weeding in the garden for almost 3 hours in 80 % humidity. I was sweating PROFUSELY ! When finished I immediately took a shower but before I did, I bravely did a smell test on the armpits of my shirt ! NOT ONE BIT OF ODOR ! I was amazed ! The only thing I did smell was the EO I put in the deodorant. And for those of you who are worried that the DE clogs the pores, it doesn’t. My shirt was wet but smelled fresh ! Thanks Scratch Mommy ! You are a genius !

        1. Hooooraaaaaay! So happy it passed the weeding outside smell test for you. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to let me (and my readers!) know. So happy you love it.

    1. The essential oils are what gives the scent, so removing them will be unscented. I can make custom deodorants for customers in my shop. Simply order a 6oz size (the smallest order of Deo I do on a custom basis) and then write into the notes section “No Essential Oils, Please” and I’ll take heed. Hope this helps! 🙂

  147. I have a question about the deodorant stick dispensers that people are using. I want to do this since it is convenient but essential oils are not supposed to be kept in plastic. Is it okay to use them like this?

    I’m new to essential oils so can someone explain when it is okay to keep them in plastic containers?

    Thanks

  148. Lately my DIY deodorant has been vodka or grain alcohol with grapefruit or orange EO…seems to work pretty well, but I have to be sure I have enough EO to take care of the alcohol smell just in case I get stopped on the road! Not sure how this will hold up when the weather gets really, really hot….

  149. Hi, if I don’t have a scale to weigh ingredients, can you please give me a breakdown of ingredients in tsp, tbs, cups????

  150. Thanks for sharing your recipe. Just finished my first really big batch, and it worked great! I have been using it for about three months. I had to make a huge second batch due to requests! I do find that after working in the yard in the heat and humidity of Louisiana it helps to clean up and reapply before going out in public!! And it did take a few weeks for my body to adjust. I also didn’t have the Shea butter or almond oil, and it still worked great! Thanks for the DE tip! Also added bentonite clay.

  151. I came across your website a few months ago and bought the DE and arrowroot powder then. I’m finally getting around to making the deodorant. Can’t wait!

  152. So glad to find a recipe without baking soda as I have tried recipes in the past and found it very irritating. Unfortunately however, I also seem to react to coconut oil. Can you suggest a substitution for it? Thanks!!

  153. I have a question. I love the deodorant, but it is definitely doesn’t cover odor as well as the previous diy deo with baking soda I had been using. For my oils, I used lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus. Is there any way that I could amp up the odor fighting of this deodorant? Thank you!

    1. Hi Lacey,

      Sure, you can up the EOs a bit. You could also add some more DE &/or arrowroot. That will make the deo more ‘stiff’, but will also increase the odor fighting abilities.

      …keep your eyes peeled on my blog. I have a customer tried and tested and approved ‘Super Defunkifying’ DIY deo recipe coming soon. It was born out of a custom order for a valued customer and it is…UhMaaaZing. 🙂

      Jess

      1. Jess- when is this new recipe coming out? I’m looking forward to it…I need something more to help with my odor.

      2. Is there any chance you would have this recipe out really soon? I am getting desperate lol. I am just about to go back to store bought and I was allergic to that sigh. Help!

      3. I am very interested in the new recipe as well, as I need odor control. At the moment I am using essential oils that work well, but are overwhelming at times, and expensive to use as deodorant. After going through breast cancer treatment though, I refuse to use antiperspirant and none of the natural deodorants in the stores actually work. I was about to purchase the ingredients for this recipe, but after seeing this post I am a little hesitant, as I think I would want to try this new recipe. Are the ingredients the same? Is there anything in this recipe that is not in the new one or any new ingredients I should purchase while I am online ordering everything else? How soon will this recipe be posted? I am very interested! I really appreciate you sharing your recipes, thanks!

      4. Hi,

        I still have to buy several ingredients for this, but I was wondering if I could use olive oil instead of almond, since I already have that?

      5. I’ve tried your current recipe and I love how nourishing and moisturizing it is. However, it’s not quite strong enough for me. Any idea when your “Super Defunkifying” recipe will be available? Thanks so much!

        1. Soon, soon, SOON! 🙂
          Make sure you are signed up for my newsletter (you can do that at the top of this page) and you’ll be in the know when the recipe goes out. Meanwhile, add a bit more DE &/or EOs to help give it a stronger ‘punch’.

  154. Wonderful post… I have used homemade deodorant of coconut oil twice so far and that left me extremely satisfied with the results. This oil has potent anti-bacterial and immune boosting qualities.

  155. I made this recipe a few weeks ago and really like it. I did have to use it exclusively for about a week before I stopped smelling somewhat funky part way through the day. Now it lasts me all day. I am thinking that my body had to detox itself off the chemical deodorant Iwas used to use. You asked for feedback on roll-on use. I didn’t think it would be thin enough for a roll on and so I cleaned out some old stick tubes to see if they would work. The dilemma was how to keep the deodorant from leaking through the holes in the bottom before it cooled and hardened. My first batch I cut pieces of parchment paper to fit and set them on top of the base (the piece that pushes the deodorant up the tube) after cutting a hole for the center rod. I screwed them all down to the bottom and used the end of a spoon to make sure they were flat and even. That worked ok but there was still some leakage. Didn’t effect the use of the tube, I just don’t like waste. My next, and successful experiment, I softened some beeswax pastilles in the microwave until they were just soft enough to mold. I then covered the bases with the beeswax until all the holes were filled, screwed the bases to the bottom and filled them. Voila, no leaks!!! Give it a try!

  156. I made this deodorant last night and applied it after my shower. When I woke up i sniffed and got a wiff of something a little off :/ I was using a previous DIY deo with baking soda but it caused darkness and irritation (IT DID WORK THO). I really want this recipe to work!!!!! I didn’t use the Diatomaceous Earth but i used everything else. My essential oils were lemongrass, grapefruit, and tea tree. How much of this stuff should I be using? Is the DE crucial for this recipe? Help 🙁

    1. Hi Cindy,

      Thanks for your note. I wish I could say more, but I haven’t tried my recipe without the DE. I would say it’s pretty crucial to both effectiveness and consistency.

      Your choice of essential oils sounds lovely!!! 🙂

      Jess

    1. the stuff sold in gardening contain many harmful chemicals, same as DE they use in pools. you want to use food grade DE, which is safe and edible.

  157. If I were to get a tube of sorts, would it be the roll one with the ball or the stick like the white-ish stick? Or the stick that screws up the gel? Which would be most appropriate? I’m not a fan of containers you stick your fingers in, no matter how clean! Can’t wait to try this though!

  158. My daughter in law made some for us today. I’m really looking forward to this! I do have a sensitivity to latex (wish I had read the comments earlier) but we will see how it go 🙂 Love following you on facebook. Thanks for all you do.

  159. Hello, I was just wondering, since there is no baking soda in your recipe. What is in it’s place for cutting odour?
    thanks Trish

  160. Cool article! Will try this out for sure. I’m using Lavilin underarm cream, and while it’s by far better than all the other brands I have tried, I am definitely open to explore other options as well. Thanks again!

  161. I’m excited to try this deodorant. I just made some homemade deodorant a few days ago with baking soda, and it was not good. It worked, but caused quite a bit if irritation. I made your recipe yesterday, and think it is the perfect solution. I used my doTerra EO’s equal parts of Bergamot, Melaleuca, and Wild Orange. I went for soothing properties in my oil selections, but I must admit, the EO’s combined have a very nice neutral scent. Just curious, approx how long does a batch last with using it every day?

  162. I made this recipe a week ago and I really like it. It works. My body had to adjust from using antiperspirants but by the end of this week, it’s working and it smells great. I chose jojoba oil and I added an ingredient, bentonite clay (msp?). The only thing I will do differently , for the next batch, is use more beeswax, this batch came out “pasty”, so I use a make up sponge to apply, but perhaps with more beeswax, it’ll just glide on. I also made it for a friend who loves it too! For EOs I used tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender. Thanks for posting!

  163. Thank you for this recipe! Do you think bentonite clay (redmond clay) would work for this recipe in place of the DE? I saw someone else comment that they tried Kaolin Clay and another French Green and French White clay. Thank you!

    1. Hi Loretta,

      Thanks for stopping by! You know, I don’t see why not. I would give it a try, for sure.

      If you do, please stop back by and let me know how it works.

      Best,
      Jess

  164. I love this recipe and want to try it, however I am severely allergic to latex and Shea butter is natural latex. Is this essential in your recipe? Do you recommend a substitute like cocoa butter? Ideas…Thoughts? 🙂
    Thanks-
    Jessikah

    1. Hi Jessikah,

      Ahh, right you are. They are related and some people do react to shea if they have a latex allergy. I only recently learned that.

      Yes, cocoa butter would be delicious in this recipe! I might add a touch more oil to the recipe, just because shea butter is more soft than cocoa.

      If you make it with cocoa butter, please report back your findings! I have made a special order for a customer and added cocoa butter (she loves the smell), but never made it without the shea.

      Jess

      1. I made it with cocoa butter and I’m finding the strong chocolatey scent in my armpits a bit odd…maybe that’s just me though 😛

  165. I was just wondering if you had any problems with the deodorant staining your clothes? I have made and used homemade deodorant in the past and I always find that the oils stain the underarms of my shirts. Any advice I could try would be great, thanks!!

    1. Hi Jennah,

      Thanks for stopping by! Great question.

      No, I have had no troubles with this staining my clothing, at all. No one who has purchased it from my skincare shop has said anything about this either (and there are many, many repeat customers).

      You only need a very small amount (think pea-sized amount).

      Give it a try…whip some up! I think that you will be pleasantly surprised. 🙂

      Jess

      1. Hi. I love this deodorant!!! However, it does stain all my clothing especially the lighter items. I use a very small amount – about the size of a pea but it still leaves dark residue as well as oil stains on the clothing. Thus far I haven’t been able to get the stains out either. I have tried several methods but nothing as worked. If you have any insight for me on how to get it out of the clothing, I would greatly appreciate it. I would hate to have to stop using it since it works so well (even in hot weather in Orlando while park hopping). Thanks so much.

        1. Yikes! I am happy to hear that you love the deo, but sorry to hear you have stains. I wonder if we are using exactly the same ingredients? I haven’t had a single stain.

          You could try rubbing some arrowroot powder into the spots before washing. I rub in arrowroot and then my detergent. I let it sit for a while before washing and stains come out well for me (even my oil covered ‘work’ clothes when I’m making products). Again, sorry you have stains and I hope you can find a remedy for them.

          Jess

          1. Hi. Thanks for your reply. I would guess we are using the same products since I purchased the exact items you linked to in the article. (I wanted to make sure it was exactly like the version in the recipe). I will try the arrowroot option and hopefully that works. Thanks for the helpful tip.

  166. I sweat my fair share and yours too so… yeah… deodorant is crucial! LOL I use homemade stuff with baking soda but it does get very irritating on my skin some times. I’ll have to give this recipe a try!

    1. I’ve recently made deo using baking soda. I wish I had seen this post first, as soon as I’m through with BOTH Rollins I filled with my recipe I’m trying yours. I wanted to add that I use YL Purification oil in mine and it is great for fighting the BO. I’ve had problems with it since mid carrying 2 years ago, my hormones are crazy but the purification neutralized the ‘stank’. Thanks for the recipe! -Sarah

  167. Thank you for this! The baking soda in my homemade deodorant is driving me bonkers recently. Can’t wait to try, thanks!

    1. Ahhh, yes. The old baking soda irritation. That happened to me when I first started dabbling with my own recipe. I heard other say the same thing, so after some digging around I realized that baking soda is not a good PH match for our bodies. Eek!

      I’m glad you found my recipe, too. Let me know how you like it.

      Thanks for stopping by,
      Jess

  168. Oooh, I am loving this! To find another use for DE that we always have around for use in our chicken coop is just awesome! Thanks for sharing!
    Lisa
    Fresh Eggs Daily

    1. Hi Lisa,

      Hooray for finding another use for our good friend DE! Yes, I am sure that you must always keep a supply on hand for your chicken coop. I hope to one day have chickens of my own…I do have the supply of DE ready. Hehe.

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

      Jess

  169. I need help!! I tried to modify this recipe to match the ingredients in the deodorant I had just finished from Meow Meow Tweet, but I was a little careless and didn’t really measure anything. Now I have something with almost the right consistency but way too melty at room temperature and the second it touches the skin it feels like pure coconut oil. Should I keep trying to add other ingredients or just start over and not waste any more? Thanks 🙂

    1. Hi there,

      Well…that’s a tough one. I have no idea what you used and in what amounts, so I cannot really say for sure. Measuring is kind-of important.

      Since it is too melty, you’ll want to thicken it up. Adding more shea butter would do that, but again…I have no idea what ingredients you actually used and in what amounts. Sorry I cannot be more helpful!

  170. I “cooked” up a batch yesterday and I have a few questions. I ordered some of your deo from Etsy and I found it much more grainy than the stuff I made. Did I do something wrong? My measurements may have been off by a few grams but I was almost spot on with everything. BTW, I used lemon, tea tree and ginger EOs and it smells wonderful. I’m using it today so hopefully I won’t be whiffy by the end of the day. Thanks.

    1. Hi Becky,

      Thanks for stopping by! No, I am sure that you probably did nothing wrong. My guess…? Just having a few measurements off (or even a different brand of Diatomaceous Earth) might have made the difference.

      BTW…your EO combination sounds delish! Let me know how you like it throughout the day. 🙂

      Jess

  171. OK here’s my update. I made a batch of this and the color isn’t that dark. It doesn’t stain my clothes at all. I’ve used it for several days and it works! Once, my left armpit did have odor as the day wore on and the right one didn’t. I realized that I might not have put enough on under that arm. Thank you for this gentle but effective recipe! It’s as easy as baking to make this up! I won’t be buying Tom’s anymore at $5.00 a pop!

  172. Hi! I just made your deodorant and it turned a yucky brown color. Is that normal?
    It looks a nice white color in your finished pic, so not sure what happened there! I followed it exactly!

    Thank you and great blog!!

    1. Hi Kendra,

      Aww, yes…it actually is a tanish-brownish color. I took those pictures outside and the lighting made it look lighter. The DE makes it look more tanish.

      You can see here how it looked inside when stirring it up before pouring…
      http://www.scratchmommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DeoWhipItGood.jpg

      If you followed the directions as they are written, which you did, I am sure it is perfect! Let me know how you like it! 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and for the kind words,
      Jess

  173. I just made a batch of this up. I substituted Kaolin Clay for the D.E. I love how it smells- I used lavender EO, tea tree oil and some other fragrance oils. It set up beautifully. I’ll use it tomorrow and let you know how it works! Great recipe, thanks alot!

      1. Hey Scratch Mommy- I used kaolin clay and my deodorant turned out super! 🙂 I didn’t have any DE, and I didn’t have any Vitamin E. But the texture is firm and smooth, and it melts instantly and absorbs quickly when it touches my skin. I’m going to make another batch and fill an empty deodorant stick with it. Thanks so much for an excellent recipe!!! 🙂

  174. I make homemade deoderants, too, but have always found ANY of the oils and butters seem to stain my clothes and I do NOT sweat. When I did, years ago, the oils and butters still stain my clothes. Any ideas??

  175. Hi is there anything else to use instead of beeswax as i am allergic to it, as well as honey, evening primrose, gluten and more. thanks

    1. You could try candellia wax… it’s what I’ve used in mine (also used in making lip balms and things). I think I ordered it from mountain rose herbs.

  176. I saw this on facebook and ordered it off etsy. Then I read the comments on facebook and noticed there was a concern that the DE could cut your skin? Is this a problem?

    1. Hi Debbie,

      Good question! No, Diatomaceous Earth (DE) has been used in skincare products for years and years and years. It is perfectly safe (and beneficial!) in skincare products.

      Food grade DE is a mild, soft, gentle exfoliant of sorts, so mixed with the other healthy ingredients you are doing your delicate pits a nice favor. 😉 You are giving your armpits a great dose of silica, and DE helps to draw out toxins. It’s a win-win.

      We do not have hard shells like creatures we sprinkle with DE in our gardens, so it is working totally differently on them than on us.

      I have been using this deodorant for quite some time and love it. I have sold many to happy customers, too. I have had a few orders come in throughout the day and will be packaging them in the next couple of days. I think you’ll love your new deo. 🙂

      Let me know if you have any other questions,
      Jess

      1. I just wanted to pipe in on the DE thing. We have been using and eating food grade diatomacous earth for 7 years. My family (children too) and animals are all treated with DE internally once a year. I use it in my chicken coop and with my cats and dogs. we are all happy and healthy. The only thing you should not do is inhale it. It can irritate the lungs. I have never had a problem with using it. I have never ran into someone who had a problem using it. Those people on the internet who had a problem with it, used pool grade DE which is dangerous. Pool DE is not the same as food grade DE.

        1. Jessikah,

          Thank you for your input! Yes, it is completely safe to use…food grade, that is. And you are right…inhaling is not so good.

          Thanks for stopping by!
          Jess

        2. How do you use the DE for internal use and for your pets? I bought some last year to help my dogs with a strange case of diarrhea but never used it. Now I can’t remember how I was going to use it. Also, interested in hearing other ways to use since I have about 10lbs of it. Thanks

  177. But natural deodorants aren’t antiperspirants. Do you know of a natural remedy for that? Sometimes you just don’t want to sweat. In fact, I don’t care for it unless I’m out exercising.

    1. Hey there Brandy. I just read your note about not wanting to sweat. I totally understand this, since we have grown up being taught that it’s gross. I just wanted to offer my perspective: antiperspirants keep your sweat glands from doing what they are made to do, which is to secrete toxins while sweating. I like to keep my sweat glands clear so they can get rid of the toxins. Just a thought.

      1. I agree! Rather trying to not sweat where things that are sweat friendly and endeavor to make your sweat inoffensive. Sweat is needed to detox from heavy metals and bpa and pthalates and stuff. urine and blood detoxes things that sweat cannot and sweat also has toxins which are detoxed primarily or exclusively through that pathway. If you are blocking sweat you are necessarily holding onto toxins or detoxing incompletely.

  178. I just whipped up a batch of this today and I use actual deodorant sticks to pour into. I may end up using my fingers still, as I don’t want to “overdo” the amount I put on…. I did have a question though – mine ended up coming out looking brown. It smells great because I used apricot oil, but is this normal? I see yours is white and I’m wondering if it’s just because I used a different kind of oil instead of almond? I am really hoping it doesn’t stain my clothing! The BS recipes I’ve tried in the past not only give me a severe chemical burn, but also stained most of my clothing an orangy-yellow color. It was hard to get out and took a few washes each time. Does this seem to happen with this recipe?

    1. Hi Amanda,

      I am glad that you whipped some up! I think you’ll love it.

      No, mine is not white. It must just be the lighting of the pictures. The DE makes it a bit grayish-tan…maybe with a hint of brown. 😉

      Enjoy your new deo! 🙂

      Jess

      1. Hi,
        I am ready with all ingredients to make my first batch of deodorant, but I will never get my son and husband to try it unless it is in a deodorant stick container…. I have these ordered. Is there any adjustments I need to make it have the right consistency so it doesn’t run out or anything? Don’t want a mess my first time out with it.

        1. Did you end up making some and putting it in a deodorant stick container? I don’t think it is firm enough to be used in one of those but I would prefer it. Thanks!

  179. Sounds great! I’ve used the simple recipe of baking soda, arrowroot powder, coconut oil and essential oils. This one sounds so dreamy!

  180. So I normally make mine with the BS but it causes me underarms to get very red and raw, will this ellimanate that problem? Because I love the DIY stuff!!!

    1. Hooray for another DIY friend!

      That is another reason why I set out to create my own. The BS recipes make me breakout, too.

      I have had nothing but great success with this recipe and I’ve been using it for months. Now…that said…we all have differing chemical compositions and make-ups, so we all react differently, but I say you should give this a try, as it is much more gentle on the skin.

      Good luck, happy DIYing, and thanks for stopping by. 🙂

      1. I was super excited about this recipe, I also can’t tolerate baking soda very well. But I smelled awful when I used this :/ I know it’s not a transition issue because I haven’t used commercial deodorant for over 6months. I tried adding more DE with no success as well. Any suggestions please?

        1. Maybe add some tea tree oil? It’s a good natural disinfectant and the smell is a bit stronger (it fades during the day, so don’t worry)

        2. I have the same problem Hayley, I understand there is a detox period but the odor was very strong even after I stopped using it.

        3. Honestly, it still could be your body detoxing…or just adjusting to the deodorant. I agree with Claudia, you can add a bit more EO of your choice and give it another go.

          1. I made your recipe using Bentonite clay because I just could not find food grade DE anywhere in Holland. I added 8 drops of tea tree oil for its anti bacterial properties and 14 drops of lemon grass oil because I totally love that scent. The first days of use it felt a bit strange – I wasn’t used to the sweat glands under my armpits working and it felt a bit tingly. Now everything is settled and I love the way the deodorant works. The only thing is that – unline with commercial deodorant – I have to re apply after about 6 hours or I will stink so I keep a stick in my handbag now 🙂

  181. Hi,

    Was just wondering if this homemade deodorant would be just as effective if I leave out the DE and follow all of the instructions? It’s the only ingredient I don’t have at home right now. Thanks in advance,
    Iulia

    1. Hi Lulia,

      Hmmm, good question! You will still be getting many benefits and ingredients that help with unsavory smells and help to draw that moisture out, but the DE is kind-of crucial in the ‘drawing out’ efforts. That said, it is certainly worth a shot. For me, I’ve found that the DE is quite a help, but we are each very different in our chemical makeup, so you may not really need it.

      I say to go for it! If you do decide to whip some up, please check back after a few days and let me know how it is working for you.

      Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

        1. Ooooo, I love French green clay! I use it in a lot of my own personal products (and will be introducing into some products in my skincare shop soon, too). Yes, it is a great detoxifier. You may just have a very effective deo recipe on your hands here! I say to give it a try. What a great thought!

          Let me know how you like it,
          Jess

          1. Hey Jess,

            Just made your deo with french clay instead of DE! Just put some on, I am very excited about it!! Only challenge with french clay, although I only need to apply a very small tad bit, is that is that it leaves a slight greenish look to armpits, and some little green grains…for fall/winter time when your armpits are not showing, I’d say that it’s fine, however when it comes to summer…not sure about that. I will let you know how effective it is in terms of fighting off BO! I’m just getting into making homemade products, and what I loved about this deo recipe is that it does not contain baking soda! I tried the traditional deo: baking soda, coconut oil and arrowroot powder, loved the consistency, but my pits got fireyyy red and itchy, and then I decreased the BS, but still I got little bumps, so I figured I can’t use BS AT ALL on my pits! Might have to make this again later with DE since it will not colour my pits! Thanks again for your help!

          2. Hi Camille,

            Mmmmmm, you could certainly try. I have not tried that, as I find the DE to be really effective and beneficial in this recipe. Let me know if you do try. Happy DIYing!

        2. I have some white french kaolin clay and some Australian kaolin clay which I am going to try one of them in the formula. The colour should be perfect. I am very familiar with the properties of baking soda, and it is extremely alkaline, which is perfect for dissolving plaque on teeth and counteracting acids. But it is not good for skin as it is at a corrosive PH, so I am not surprised at all the dismal failures in deodorants.

          1. Hi, I just read your comments about BS and how it is harsh for the skin.
            However, I just read on a different DIY site that bs mixed with water could be used as a simple face mask to help with acne.
            It was so simple that I actually tried it right away and love the results. My face is incredibly soft, my pores appear smaller and my face feels tighter as though it is helping with the elasticity. As far as the acne, I will know more later in the week if it helps. Any thoughts regarding Baking soda on skin would be greatly appreciated.
            🙂

          2. Some people can handle it better than others. 🙂 Many with sensitive skin and issues like Eczema get a bad reaction to it.

  182. Great recipe…I will certainly try this. Just wanted to mention that you can also use a large Ball jar in a pot of water to melt the ingredients. Just shake every few minutes to help things melt and mix! I make homemade moisturizer this way.

      1. You are the BEST I made this deoderant and its the best ever I even used it on my 8 and 5 year old grands from out of town (what’s with little girls smelly now days lol but I wanted something with out baking soda and this is it AND I went 2 days without any and still smelled good they are so impress and look forward to seeing it and having me smell under their arms each day lol they each have their very own

    1. Hello Scratch Mommy!

      Thanks so much for all your recipes, you’re doing great things here (both with selling the products for those that aren’t into DIY, and providing all the recipes – wonderful!).

      I do have a question for you. For 7 months I used deo that my friend made me, consisting of baking soda, coconut oil lavender, teatree, all the typical things. Nothing bad in there. It worked amazingly well, but eventually it started irritating my armpits so I can no longer use it (one spot on one armpit gets SO irritated: red and burning). Thus, I went on the search for a non-baking soda recipe and found yours here. I made it recently, have been using it for 2 weeks, and it really doesn’t work. 🙁 I stink worse than ever before.

      I know you mentioned that our armpits need to detox, but, wouldn’t 7 months of using a totally clean deodorant have detoxed my armpits? Or, do you think the detox requires more time? If anyone has any details on length of detox that they experienced (as in: the time it took for this deodorant to work) I’d love to know. I am not giving up on this deodorant yet! It definitely at least totally healed all the red and irritation and is wonderful for keeping the skin calm.

      Thanks so much for any advice.

      Anne-Marie

      1. Hey Anne-Marie! Yes, stick with it and don’t give up! 7 months of using a clean deodorant is still different than using my deodorant. Your body is likely detoxing now from the extra baking soda, as it really isn’t properly PH balanced for our skin (hence the irritation you have had going on after using it for a while). Stick with it, girl. Follow the link I provide for a healthy detox and give that a shot. Hang in there…it’ll be worth it!

      2. I’m the same. I’ve been using non-baking soda diy deodorant for at least a year or more and I stink too. Just one side, though. The diy stains my clothes, too. I use coconut oil, clay, dia/earth,, Shea, EOs. Don’t know what else to do. Just have to wash and reapply, I guess.

      3. The oils you use can make a big difference. I used a different recipe prior, but I’m going to duplicate the oils in this one. It called for lime, orange and tea tree. I’m going to add a few drops of Neem oil as well.

      4. I have the same problem, I have try this recipe for 3 days and I sweat & stink more than before 🙁
        I see other people use Magnesium hydroxide instead of bicarb, and some other use citric acid to balance the PH level of bicarb, have you try these before?

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